“Jennifer Garner Reflects on the Loss of Her Pet ‘Angel Girl,’ One Day Ahead of Thanksgiving”

Jennifer Garner is mourning the loss of her beloved pet, just months after the passing of her father.

Jennifer Garner is grieving the loss of her beloved dog, Birdie, who passed away just one day before Thanksgiving. In a heartfelt Instagram post, the actress referred to Birdie as “the world’s best dog.”

Jennifer Garner expressed the difficulty of sharing the news of her dog’s passing, acknowledging that it may seem trivial in light of the world’s challenges. However, she felt it was important to inform her followers, as they had shared Birdie’s life with them. She explained that Birdie had suddenly fallen ill on Thursday, and a visit to the vet confirmed that her pet was nearing the end of her life.

Jennifer Garner expressed gratitude for the timing of Birdie’s passing, noting that it seemed as though the dog had waited for one of her children to return home from college. This gave the family the opportunity to spend their final moments with Birdie, petting her soft ears and expressing their thanks for the love she had brought into their lives.

For Jennifer Garner, Birdie was more than just a pet—she was a beloved member of the family. The golden retriever had a special fondness for being read to and often appeared in Jennifer’s popular Instagram series, “Pretend Cooking Show.” Birdie also served as a therapy dog, bringing comfort and joy to many.

Jennifer Garner reflected on Birdie’s life, saying she “lived a happy dog life” and was now fulfilling her true role as “angel girl.” She expressed how special it was to love and be loved by such a wonderful creature like Birdie, sharing her sentiments alongside photos and videos of their time together.

One clip shared by Jennifer showed her and Birdie lounging on a sofa, both wearing reading glasses as Jennifer read Pete’s a Pizza by William Steig. Another video captured a tender moment where Jennifer lovingly sang to Birdie while cradling her, playfully using Birdie’s paws to accompany the song.

Jennifer’s heartfelt post about Birdie’s passing deeply resonated with her followers, sparking an outpouring of condolences from friends and celebrities. black-ish star Tracee Ellis Ross commented, “🐾🐾🐾🐾❤️❤️❤️❤️ these furry beings bring so much goodness,” while Friends alum Jennifer Aniston expressed her sympathy, saying, “Oh Jen…💔I’m so sorry. Sending so much love.”

Chef Ina Garten also shared her sympathies, writing, “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 her grief, Jennifer Garner sought comfort from her family and community. On Thanksgiving Day, she reunited with her ex-husband, Ben Affleck, and their children to volunteer at the Midnight Mission in Los Angeles, finding solace in giving back.

Together, Jennifer Garner, Ben Affleck, and their children volunteered at the Midnight Mission’s annual Thanksgiving brunch, serving 2,000 homeless and near-homeless individuals. They spent three hours working side by side, 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.

This year’s bittersweet Thanksgiving came at a particularly challenging time for Jennifer Garner, as she had announced the passing of her beloved father, William “Billy Jack” Garner, in April. He died surrounded by family, adding to the emotional weight of the season.

Jennifer Garner shared a tearjerking tribute to her late father, William “Billy Jack” Garner, on Instagram. The post featured a collection of beautiful father-daughter moments from across the years, showcasing memories from her childhood as well as more recent family gatherings, honoring their special bond.

Among the various photos Jennifer shared, the undeniable bond between her and her late father, William, was evident. The collection also included loving family photos, some featuring her mother, Patricia Garner, and her sisters, Susannah Kay Garner Carpenter and Melissa Garner Wylie, reflecting the close-knit and cherished family connection.

A particularly touching addition to Jennifer’s tribute was a video from a past Capital One ad campaign. In the video, Jennifer narrates a story about her father’s pride in signing up for “the Jennifer Garner card.” At the end of the video, William joins her, adding a personal and heartfelt moment to the campaign.

Accompanying the sweet pictures, Jennifer Garner’s caption expressed a deep sense of loss, tempered with gratitude for the life her father led. She honored his memory and the lasting impact he had on her and their family.

In her heartfelt caption, Jennifer Garner wrote, “My dad passed peacefully Saturday afternoon. We were with him, singing Amazing Grace as he left us […] While there is no tragedy in the death of an 85-year-old man who lived a healthy, wonderful life, I know grief is unavoidable […] Today is for gratitude.” She expressed both her grief and deep appreciation for her father’s life.

Jennifer also took the opportunity to highlight the devoted, adoring, and patient father her dad was to her and her siblings, as well as the loving husband he was to her mother for 59 years. She expressed gratitude to the medical teams at Charleston Area Medical Center and City of Hope for providing William with the best possible care during his final days.

Jennifer Garner recalled her childhood as “pretty peaceful,” growing up as one of three daughters in Charleston, West Virginia, with her mother, a schoolteacher, and her father, a Union Carbide employee. In a past interview with PBS’s Kelly Corrigan in October 2020, Jennifer described her father, William, as a man of the world despite the family’s deep West Virginian roots. His adventurous spirit took him around the globe, and he instilled in his daughters the importance of resilience and the value of home.

Jennifer Garner shared that she used to refer to her father as “Bill” when she was younger, but eventually began calling him “Billy Jack,” a name that reflected his deepening Texan roots as he grew older. Fondly reflecting on his character, Jennifer remarked, “My dad is—he’s so great.”

Jennifer Garner’s social media has often highlighted the importance of her family in her life. In September 2023, she shared a heartfelt post featuring a carousel of images from a family visit to Charleston.

Among the pictures and videos Jennifer shared, she included a heartwarming photo of herself and her father, William, standing next to a 1948 Studebaker Champion, which she had gifted him as an early birthday present. Another post from September 2022 featured the same photo, celebrating William’s birthday and honoring him as a doting dad.

In the same post, Jennifer Garner honored her father, William, by detailing his life’s milestones and the profound impact he had on his family. A part of the loving caption read, “Happy birthday. Billy Jack Garner, son of George Floyd and Exie Mae. Eagle Scout. @tamu Corps Cadet and Ross Volunteer. Class of 1960. Union Carbide Chemical Engineer for close to 40 years.”

In the September 2022 post, Jennifer Garner shared personal anecdotes about her father, William, saying, “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.” These heartfelt words reflected the special bond William shared with his family.

In the September 2022 post, Jennifer Garner concluded her tribute to her father with the heartfelt words, “We are so proud to be yours, Dad. We celebrate you every day and love you.”

Jennifer’s tribute to her late father, William, was a heartfelt homage to a man who lived a full life, was adored by his family, and left behind a legacy of love, strength, and integrity. As she, her sisters, and her mother honored his life and reminisced about cherished memories, the world glimpsed the remarkable man William was. In their grief, the Garner family found solace in gratitude, celebrating the life of a dearly loved father and husband.

Jennifer Garner’s kindness and heartfelt tributes reflect her resilience during a difficult year. From honoring her beloved dog Birdie to remembering her late father and dedicating her time to helping her community, she draws strength from love, gratitude, and connection. Through her acts of remembrance and service, Jennifer continues to honor the bonds that sustain her.