Jennifer Garner is mourning the loss of her cherished golden retriever, Birdie, who has passed away at the age of 9. The actress, known for her role in “Deadpool & Wolverine,” took to Instagram to share her heartfelt tribute on Wednesday. In a carousel of memories, Garner recounted how Birdie indicated something was wrong just the week prior, stating, “Birdie let us know on Thursday that she wasn’t feeling herself—she was a true foodie and never skipped a meal.” The family was taken aback to discover that Birdie was gravely ill, nearing the end of her life.
Garner expressed a profound sentiment, revealing that the veterinarian mentioned dogs often hold on until their loved ones return home. This resonated with her as her daughter Violet, an 18-year-old freshman at Yale, had come home for Thanksgiving. “We believe Birdie waited for Violet to get home so we could pet her soft ears together and thank her for being the world’s best dog,” she shared.
Birdie’s impact on Garner’s life was unmistakable. She described her late dog’s love for being read to, her penchant for taking part in “Pretend Cooking Shows,” and her role as a therapy dog that brought joy to others. “Birdie lived a fulfilling dog life and is now in her rightful place: as our angel girl,” Garner wrote poignantly, reflecting on the gift of the unconditional love they shared.
In her tribute, Garner included a series of photos and videos celebrating Birdie. Among them was a sweet moment of the two together in a cozy reading nook, complete with a stained-glass window featuring Birdie gazing at owls. She ended the slideshow with a moving image that captured the essence of their bond.
In the years prior, Birdie had captured public attention alongside Garner on the “We Walk Dogs” YouTube channel. Leading up to her ninth birthday, Birdie had whimsy-filled ambitions—like eating an entire string cheese stick and singing at the Metropolitan Opera. Garner fondly recalled how Birdie became a therapy dog at the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, showcasing her special talent for nurturing and bringing happiness.
Birdie was adopted into the Garner family when Violet was only 10, fulfilling a long-held dream. “My eldest was just 2 and incessantly talked about needing her own dog. I said, ‘When you turn 10.’ I thought she’d forget—but here we are,” Garner reminisced.
Birdie leaves behind not only her human family but also several furry companions, including a chicken named Regina, dogs named Kitty and Bugs, and a cat named Moose. As the grief settles in, Garner’s tribute stands as a testament to the love they shared and the joy Birdie brought into their lives.
