Jennifer Garner is mourning the death of her beloved puppy, Birdie, just one day before Thanksgiving. In a heartbreaking Instagram post, the actress shared the news with her fans, referring to Birdie as “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,” said Jennifer. She added that Birdie had suddenly become unwell on Thursday, and a visit to the veterinarian showed that her pet was nearing the end of her life.
Jennifer expressed thanks for the timing, observing that Birdie seemed to be waiting for one of her children to return home from college. This allowed the family to spend their last few moments together, caressing Birdie’s velvety ears and praising her for the love she brought into their lives.
Birdie was more than just a pet to the actress; she was a beloved member of her family. Jennifer enjoyed reading to the golden retriever and regularly featured her in her popular Instagram series, “Pretend Cooking Show.” She was also a therapy dog, bringing comfort and joy to many.
She had a wonderful life with dogs and is now fulfilling her destiny as an angel girl. Jennifer shared photos and videos of her time with Birdie the Doggie, describing it as a blessing to love and receive love from such a creature. 🐾🪽.
In one scene, the two sat on a sofa as Jennifer read William Steig’s “Pete’s a Pizza,” both wearing reading glasses. Another image shows her compassionately singing to Birdie while cradling her, playfully using Birdie’s paws to join the melody.
Jennifer’s passionate tweet moved her followers and prompted an outpouring of sorrow from friends and celebrities. Tracee Ellis Ross, a star of “Black-ish,” wrote, “❤️❤️❤️❤️ These furry beings bring so much goodness.” Meanwhile, “Friends” alum Jennifer Aniston commented, “Oh Jen.” I’m so sorry. Sending lots of love.”
Chef Ina Garten also expressed her sympathy, writing, “Oh Jennifer, I’m devastated for you!!! She was the best friend, always up for an adventure with all of you. I’m sending my love to you and the kids. I’m so delighted they’re back with you now. “Birdie will eat turkey in heaven.”
In the midst of her sadness, Jennifer sought consolation from her family and community. On Thanksgiving Day, she reunited with her ex-husband, Ben Affleck, and their children to assist at Los Angeles’ Midnight Mission.
They worked together for three hours to feed 2,000 homeless and near-homeless people at the non-profit’s annual Thanksgiving meal, experiencing enjoyable moments along the way.
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Jennifer donned a navy sweater with her hair pulled back in a ponytail, while Ben, dressed in a brown button-down, remained close to their children. This Thanksgiving was also the first without Ben’s estranged wife, Jennifer Lopez.
This year’s melancholy Thanksgiving occurred amid a difficult period for Jennifer. In April, she revealed the death of her beloved father, William “Billy Jack” Garner, who died surrounded by family members.
Jennifer turned to Instagram to give a heartfelt homage to William, showcasing a variety of wonderful father-daughter experiences spanning decades, from her early recollections with him to more recent family reunions.
The stunning family photos Jennifer uploaded, some of which featured her mother Patricia Garner and her sisters Susannah Kay Garner Carpenter and Melissa Garner Wylie, reflected her clear bond with her late father.
A particularly moving addition was a film from a previous Capital One commercial campaign in which Jennifer—accompanied by William at the conclusion of the movie—narrated a narrative about her father’s joy in signing up for “the Jennifer Garner card.”
The lovely photographs were accompanied by the “Elektra” star’s statement, which revealed a profound sense of loss balanced with appreciation for her father’s life.
“My dad died quietly Saturday afternoon. We were with him, singing Amazing Grace as he departed us. While the death of an 85-year-old man who led a healthy and happy life is not a tragedy, I understand that mourning is necessary […] “Today is about gratitude,” she wrote.
She also mentioned how Dad was a loyal, attentive, and patient father to her and her siblings, as well as a loving spouse to her mother for 59 years. Jennifer also praised the medical communities of Charleston Area Medical Center and City of Hope for giving William the finest treatment they could.
Growing up as one of three girls in Charleston, West Virginia, Jennifer described her upbringing as “pretty peaceful,” formed by her mother, a schoolteacher, and father, a Union Carbide employee.
William, as Jennifer described him in a previous interview with “PBS’s” Kelly Corrigan in October 2020, was a man of the world despite his family’s profound West Virginian origins. His adventurous attitude led him throughout the world, teaching his girls the value of resilience and home.
Jennifer had referred to him as “Bill” when she was younger, but she later changed it to “Billy Jack,” emphasizing his Texan origins, which she said grew stronger as he grew older. Jennifer warmly praised his demeanor, saying, “My dad—he’s so great.”
Jennifer’s social media has long been a tribute to the important role her family played in her life, going beyond gushing over her father and loved ones in interviews. In September 2023, she uploaded a heartwarming post with a carousel of photos from a family trip to Charleston.
Among the photos and videos she provided was a lovely photo of her and William standing next to a 1948 Studebaker Champion, which she gave him as an early birthday gift.
Jennifer Garner celebrated the late doting father’s birthday in another post from September 2022, which included the same photo she used in her previous memorial post after William’s death.
In the same piece, she discussed his life milestones and the enormous influence he had on his family. A portion of the sweet caption said, “Happy birthday. Billy Jack Garner is the son of George Floyd and Exie Mae. Eagle Scout; @tamu Corps Cadet; and Ross Volunteer. Class of 1960. I worked as a chemical engineer at Union Carbide for more than 40 years.
This extensive narrative was interspersed with personal tales such as “In my dad, my grandfather had a best little buddy, his brilliant, adorable sidekick,” and “We have the OG Girl Dad—the best granddad out there, the ultimate problem solver and world-class hugger.”
She concluded her remarks with, “We are very pleased to be yours, Dad. We rejoice and cherish you every day.”
Jennifer’s tribute to her late father was heartfelt, honoring a man who lived a long life, was cherished by his family, and left a legacy of love, strength, and integrity.
As she, her sisters, and her mother commemorated his life and reminisced about memories, the world got a peek of the extraordinary guy William was. In their sadness, the Garner family found peace in thankfulness, honoring the life of a beloved father and husband.
Jennifer Garner’s generosity and tributes demonstrate her courage throughout a tough year. She finds consolation in love, appreciation, and connection, whether she’s loving her dog Birdie, remembering her father, or serving her community.