Jennifer Garner Shares Heartfelt Thanksgiving Post About the Loss of Her Beloved Dog Birdie

Jennifer Garner shared devastating news with her fans on Wednesday, announcing the passing of her golden retriever, Birdie, in a heart-wrenching Instagram post. The actress, 52, opened up about her deep connection with Birdie, who had been a cherished member of her family for nearly a decade.

In the emotional tribute, Garner, who adopted Birdie just after her 2015 split from Ben Affleck, explained how difficult it was to write about her pet’s passing. “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,” Garner wrote.

The Heartbreaking Goodbye

Garner recounted the moment she realized Birdie was nearing the end of her life. “Birdie let us know on Thursday that she wasn’t feeling herself,” she shared. “A renowned foodie, Birdie never missed a meal. We were surprised to learn that, not only was she very ill, she was at the end of her life.”

The family’s vet explained that dogs often hang on until they are reunited with their owners, and Garner believes Birdie did just that. “We believe Birdie waited so we could pet her soft ears together and thank her for being the world’s best dog,” she wrote. “Birdie loved to be read to, always found her way into a Pretend Cooking Show, and knew just how to give people what they needed, as evidenced by her happy days as a dog therapy team with Mo.”

Garner’s heartfelt words reflected the deep bond she shared with Birdie, who she described as having lived a “happy dog life” and now fulfilling the role she was born for—becoming an angel. “It’s a gift to love and be loved by such a creature as Birdie the Doggie,” Garner concluded.

Birdie’s Special Moments Shared on Social Media

Garner frequently showcased her close bond with Birdie on Instagram, sharing joyful moments from their time together. Back in June, Garner posted an adorable video of Birdie successfully participating in the “Hands In” challenge, a viral social media trend where pets join their owners in a group cheer.

In the playful clip, Garner and an offscreen friend extended their hands in front of Birdie, who immediately placed her paw in the center on the first try. Garner, amused by her dog’s quick success, laughed and praised her for her flawless execution. “Did you see, Birdie? Yeah, you did,” Garner said in the video. The actress playfully added in the caption, “I had much less success with the puppy.“

The video, shared with her 16.2 million Instagram followers, quickly garnered attention from fans who adored the golden retriever’s adorable talent. One commenter noted, “She’s like… Come on… I’ve been waiting,” while another joked, “My dog did it a bunch of times, but when we started recording she refused.”

Birdie’s Role as a Certified Therapy Dog

Birdie’s role extended beyond being a beloved pet; she was also a certified therapy dog. Garner shared that Birdie had been trained to visit the Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles, where she provided comfort and joy to children in need. Garner often took Birdie along on walks with her children, and the dog was seen accompanying Ben Affleck and his then-girlfriend, Ana de Armas, during a family outing in 2020.

Birdie’s passing marked the end of an era for Garner and her family, who cherished the companionship and unconditional love she brought into their lives.

Garner Out and About Amidst Heartbreak

Despite the emotional loss, Garner stepped out in Los Angeles on Wednesday, appearing composed as she smiled through the sadness. Dressed in faded blue jeans, gray clogs, and thick-rimmed black eyeglasses, Garner flashed her signature dimples while strolling through the city with wet hair. Her strength in the face of heartbreak was evident as she embraced her daily routine, staying focused on her responsibilities.

Garner’s Upcoming Projects and New Beginnings

Amid the personal loss, Garner is also gearing up for her next big project. Her Apple TV+ series The Last Thing He Told Me, based on Laura Dave’s bestselling novel, continues to garner attention. The show was renewed for a second season, which will follow the release of the upcoming literary sequel, set for 2025.

Garner expressed her excitement about the continuation of the series, saying, “Like so many people, I fell for Hannah on page one of Laura Dave’s gripping novel.” As both an executive producer and star of the series, Garner has immersed herself in the creative process, working alongside writer Laura Dave and other collaborators. She added, “The move to actor and producer from reader and super fan was delicious—and made even sweeter by collaborating with Laura, Josh [Singer], Reese, and everyone at Hello Sunshine.”

A Heartfelt Goodbye to Birdie

Jennifer Garner’s emotional tribute to Birdie serves as a reminder of the deep connections we share with our pets. Through her heartfelt Instagram post, Garner not only mourned the loss of her dog but also celebrated the joy Birdie brought into her life. As the actress navigates this challenging time, her fans have rallied behind her, offering their love and support as she remembers her loyal companion.

Birdie may be gone, but her memory will live on in Garner’s heart—and in the hearts of all those who witnessed the special bond between the two.