Jennifer Garner shares devastating family loss in social media post: ‘It’s a Gift to Love and Be Loved’
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Jennifer Garner shared the heartbreaking news of her golden retriever Birdie’s passing in an emotional Instagram post on November 27. The 13 Going on 30 actress reflected on her deep bond with Birdie, whom she welcomed into her life in 2015 after her split from Ben Affleck.
“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,” began the 52-year-old actress.
Garner recounted how Birdie signaled she wasn’t feeling well just days before her passing. “Birdie let us know on Thursday that she wasn’t feeling herself (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,” she wrote.
Garner expressed gratitude for Birdie’s timing, noting the dog waited for their family to come together before saying goodbye. “The vet told us that dogs often hang on until their person comes home from college, and 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.”
The Alias star fondly remembered Birdie’s unique qualities. “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 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,” she concluded.
Fans and followers were deeply moved by Garner’s heartfelt tribute. One fan commented, “Jen, I can feel the love you built together.” Another wrote, “The grief is almost unbearable at times but hold onto those precious memories.” A third added, “I’m so sorry for your loss of your precious Birdie. Our pets are family.” Garner’s tribute reflects the profound connection between humans and their pets, with Birdie’s memory continuing to touch the hearts of many.
