Heartbroken Jennifer Garner Bade Goodbye To Her Beloved Family Dog Just Months After Her Father Passed

Dec 11, 2024

Actress Jennifer Garner continues to navigate the pain of heartbreaking loss — saying goodbye to her beloved dog just a few months after the passing of her father.

Earlier in April 2024, she had mourned the death of her father, William “Billy Jack” Garner, who passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loved ones.

She honored him with an Instagram post that included a special video from a past Capital One ad where she narrated her father’s pride in signing up for “the Jennifer Garner card.” 

She 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.”

Garner reflected on her father’s resilience, adventurous spirit and devotion to her family.

In a September 2022 post on Instagram, the actress had shared a heartfelt tribute to him on his birthday, showcasing their close bond through decades of father-daughter moments. 

The loving caption read: “We are so proud to be yours, Dad. We celebrate you every day and love you.”

In a past interview with PBS in October 2020, she mentioned how her dad had instilled the values of home life and resilience in his daughters.

Her heartfelt tribute celebrated his life and profound impact, calling him “the ultimate problem solver and world-class hugger.”

On Thanksgiving Day 2024, Garner came together with her ex-husband, Ben Affleck, and their children to volunteer at the Midnight Mission in Los Angeles. 

The family spent three hours serving 2,000 homeless individuals at the non-profit’s annual Thanksgiving brunch, working side by side in a meaningful display of togetherness.

For Affleck, this Thanksgiving marked the first since separating from his estranged wife, Jennifer Lopez, in April 2024. As for Garner, the holiday was incredibly bittersweet.

Garner’s beloved family dog, Birdie, who often appeared in her social media posts, passed away just a day before Thanksgiving. 

And in a heartfelt tribute, Garner shared the news, calling Birdie “the world’s best dog.”

The actress wrote:

“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.” 

She explained that Birdie had fallen ill on Thursday, and a visit to the vet revealed that her pet was nearing the end of her life.

Garner found some comfort in the timing, noting that Birdie seemed to wait for one of her children to return home from college, giving the family a chance to say goodbye together. 

She shared:

“We got to pet her soft ears and thank her for the love she brought into our lives.” 

The therapy dog had a special love for being read to and frequently appeared in Jennifer’s “Pretend Cook Show” on Instagram. 

For Garner, Birdie was more than just a pet. She was a family member. 

She wrote:

“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. 🐾”

The tribute included touching photos and videos of their time together.

The post drew an outpouring of condolences from friends and celebrities. “Black-ish” star Tracee Ellis Ross commented:

“🐾🐾🐾🐾❤️❤️❤️❤️ these furry beings bring so much goodness.” 

“Friends” star Jennifer Aniston added:

“Oh Jen…💔 I’m so sorry. Sending so much love.” 

Chef Ina Garten also wrote:

“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.”

In this difficult time, Garner has found solace in the support of her family and community.

It’s hard not to wonder how Jennifer Garner keeps going with such strength. How can her courage inspire us? Pass it on to fellow fans who admire her resilience.