“Alias” star Jennifer Garner is grieving another heartbreaking loss, saying goodbye to her beloved furry companion just months after losing her father.
Jennifer Garner is mourning the death of her cherished dog, Birdie, just a day before Thanksgiving. In an emotional Instagram post, the actress shared the news with her followers, calling Birdie “the world’s best dog.”
“It is hard to know how to write this— it seems nuts, given the world, to mourn a pet, but since we have shared Birdie with all of you, it only seems fair to let you know of her passing,” Jennifer wrote. She explained that Birdie had suddenly fallen ill on Thursday, and a visit to the vet revealed her pet was at the end of her life.
Jennifer expressed gratitude for the timing, noting that Birdie seemed to wait for one of her children to come home from college. This allowed the family to spend their final moments together, petting Birdie’s soft ears and thanking her for the love she brought into their lives.
For the actress, Birdie was more than a pet—she was a treasured member of the family. The golden retriever had a special love for being read to and frequently appeared in Jennifer’s popular Instagram series, “Pretend Cooking Show.” She was also a therapy dog who brought comfort and joy to many.
“She lived a happy dog life and is now in the role she was born to play: angel girl. It’s a gift to love and be loved by such a creature as Birdie the Doggie. 🐾🪽,” Jennifer shared, accompanied by photos and videos of her time with Birdie.
One clip showed the two lounging on a sofa as Jennifer read William Steig’s “Pete’s a Pizza,” both donning reading glasses. Another captured her tenderly singing to Birdie while cradling her, playfully using Birdie’s paws to accompany the tune.
Jennifer’s heartfelt post resonated deeply with her followers and drew an outpouring of condolences from friends and celebrities. “black-ish” star Tracee Ellis Ross commented, “🐾🐾🐾🐾❤️❤️❤️❤️ these furry beings bring so much goodness.” Meanwhile, “Friends” alum Jennifer Aniston added, “Oh Jen…💔I’m so sorry. Sending so much love.”
Chef Ina Garten also wrote her sympathies, “Oh Jennifer, I’m heartbroken for you!!! She was the best buddy and always up for an adventure with all of you. Sending my love to you and the kids. I’m so glad they’re home with you now. Birdie will be eating turkey in heaven.”
Amid the grief, Jennifer turned to her family and community to find comfort. On Thanksgiving Day, she reunited with her ex-husband, Ben Affleck, and their children to volunteer at the Midnight Mission in Los Angeles.
Together, they served 2,000 homeless and near-homeless individuals at the non-profit’s annual Thanksgiving brunch, spending three hours working side by side and sharing warm moments.
Jennifer wore a navy sweater with her hair tied back in a ponytail, while Ben, dressed in a brown button-down, stayed close to their children. This Thanksgiving also marked Ben’s first without his estranged wife, Jennifer Lopez.