Jennifer Garner reveals she lost her beloved 'world's best dog' Birdie in emotional post: 'Worst pain'

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Jennifer Garner shared a heartbreaking news with her followers on November 27 - her beloved golden retriever, Birdie, died just two days prior to Thanksgiving.

The '13 Going on 30' star paid tribute to her loyal companion who had been by her side since 2015, in a touching Instagram post that beautifully captured their special bond.

Jennifer Garner' beloved Birdie dies at nine

“It is hard to know how to write this—it seems nuts, given the world, to mourn a pet,” the 52-year-old actress began in a heartbreaking post on Instagram.

“But since we have shared Birdie with all of you, it only seems fair to let you know of her passing,” she added.

Garner revealed that Birdie, who was nine years old, started showing signs of illness just days before her death. “Birdie let us know on Thursday that she wasn’t feeling herself (a renowned foodie, Birdie never missed a meal),” Garner wrote.

“We were surprised to learn that, not only was she very ill, she was at the end of her life,” she added.

Jennifer's veterinarian suggested the pup might have waited until Thanksgiving to pass because Violet had returned home from Yale where she started as a freshman this fall.

The star shared a poignant detail, explaining that their family veterinarian told them dogs often hold on until their loved ones return home.

“We believe Birdie did just that, so that we could pet her soft ears together and thank her for being the world’s best dog,” she added.

Garner lovingly described Birdie as a dog who “loved to be read to, always found her way into a Pretend Cooking Show, and knew just how to give people what they needed.” Birdie even served as a therapy dog, making visits to the Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles.

“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,” Garner concluded the post.

Birdie's adorable social media presence 

Over the years, Birdie became a frequent guest on Jennifer Garner’s Instagram, delighting her 16.2 million followers with her sweet nature and clever antics.

One of her most beloved moments came in June when the actress tried the “Hands In” social media trend with her furry friend.

In the video, Garner and an offscreen male reached their hands out like a team gearing up for a cheer.

Birdie instantly caught on, placing her paw in the circle on her first try, much to Garner’s delight.

“Did you see, Birdie? Yeah, you did,” she exclaimed, laughing. Garner cheekily captioned the video, “I had much less success with the puppy.”

Garner also shared an adorable video of Birdie's birthday back on May 8. With a string cheese topped with a candle and Birdie in a small hat, she captioned the post, "Dreams do come true! Happy birthday, Birdie ♥️🥳"

Jennifer Garner steps out with a brave smile after heartbreaking loss

Birdie’s gentle presence wasn’t just confined to social media.

Reportedly, the golden retriever was often spotted accompanying Jennifer Garner and her three children, whom she shares with ex-husband Ben Affleck, on family walks.

Birdie even joined Ben Affleck and his then-girlfriend Ana de Armas on outings in 2020, cementing her role as an essential part of the blended family.

Amid her grief, Garner stepped out in Los Angeles on November 27, flashing her trademark dimples despite the somber news.

The mother-of-three kept it casual in faded blue jeans, gray clogs, and black-rimmed glasses, her wet hair framing her face.

Viewers honor Birdie’s memory as a 'special girl'

Fans poured out their heartfelt condolences after the devastating loss of Birdie, leaving messages filled with grief and love.

One fan somberly shared, "Fly high Birdie!"

Another expressed, "It’s just the hardest worst pain. No it does not seem wrong to mourn our animals. They’re there for us no matter what! Rest in peace sweet Birdie."

Someone else quietly noted, "Oh no. I’m so so sorry to hear this. So hard loosing your best friend. Sending so much strength your way ❤️"

A follower sadly remarked, "Ohhhhhh the hardest kind of grief!💔💔💔💔"

One comment reflected, "Oh I'm so so sorry. Thank you for sharing Birdie with the rest of the world. She was a very special girl."

Another observed with sorrow, "So sorry for your loss. 💔😢🐾🌈 they do leave huge holes in our hearts but the price of love is loss. 😭"

As one person explained with a heavy heart, "My sincerest condolences!! Birdie will continue to look after you and your family 🤍🌈🙏😭"

One more fan wrote, "This kind of heartache cuts so deep. Sending lots of love to you and yours ♥️"

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