Jennifer Garner’s famous friends have rallied around her after she announced the death of her dog, a golden retriever named Birdie, in a heartbreaking Instagram post on Wednesday.
The actress, 52, paid tribute to her beloved pet, nine, who she acquired shortly after her 2015 split from Ben Affleck.
Jennifer Aniston – a loving dog owner herself – wrote: ‘Oh Jen…I’m so sorry. Sending so much love.”
Lily Collins wrote: ‘Oh I’m so sorry. Sending you the most love, light and hugs.”
TV chef and author Ina Garten wrote: ‘Oh Jennifer, I am 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 children. I’m so glad they are home with you now. Birdie will eat turkey in heaven. ;
In addition, Gwyneth Paltrow, Kristen Davis and Olivia Wilde liked to hit the post.
Jennifer Garner’s famous friends have rallied around her after she announced the death of her dog, a golden retriever named Birdie, in a heartbreaking Instagram post on Wednesday
Garner’s tribute to Birdie read: “It’s hard to know how to write this – it seems crazy, given the world, to mourn a pet, but since we’ve shared Birdie with all of you, it only seems fair to inform you of her death.
‘Birdie informed us on Thursday that she was not feeling well (a renowned foodie, Birdie never missed a meal). We were surprised to hear that not only was she very ill, but she was near the end of her life.
‘The vet told us that dogs often hold on until their person comes home from college and we believe Birdie did just that so we could stroke her soft ears together and thank her for being the best dog in the world. Birdie loved being read to, always found her way onto a Pretend Cooking Show and knew exactly how to give people what they needed (as evidenced by her happy days as a dog therapy team with Mo).
‘She lived a happy dog’s life and is now playing the role she was born to play: angel girl. It is a gift to love and be loved by a creature like Birdie the Doggie.”
Garner had been showing off her close bond with Birdie on Instagram, posting an adorable video in June of her furry friend following the “Hands In” trend on social media.
Like a team getting ready to cheer on a group, pet owners put their hands together in front of their cats and dogs to see if they want to join in on the challenge.
The 13 Going on 30 star wrote, “Try the ‘hands in’ challenge with Birdie,” as she and a man held out their hands off-screen.
Her furry friend got it almost immediately and stuck his paw in on the “first try,” which made Garner laugh.
Celebrities like Jennifer Aniston and Lily Collins sent congratulatory messages
Gwyneth Paltrow and Olivia Wilde liked the post
‘Birdie informed us on Thursday that she was not feeling well (a renowned foodie, Birdie never missed a meal). We were surprised to hear that not only was she very ill, but she was at the end of her life.”
‘Did you see it, Birdie? Yes, that’s right,’ Ben Affleck’s ex-wife said to her dog. “I mean, the first time.”
The starlet shared the post with her 16.2 million followers and jokingly captioned the silly video: “I had much less success with the puppy.”
Fans went wild in the comments, showing their support for the golden retriever’s adorable talent.
One top commentator said: ‘She says… ‘Come on… I’ve been waiting.’
Birdie was spotted accompanying Affleck and then-girlfriend Ana de Armas on a family walk with his three children in 2020
Amid her heartbreak, Garner stepped out in LA on Wednesday
“My dog did it a few times, but when we started recording she refused,” one fan joked in the comments.
Birdie, a certified therapy dog, was trained to attend Los Angeles Children’s Hospital.
The star was often spotted on walks with her children and their beloved family dog with Birdie also accompanying Affleck and then-girlfriend Ana de Armas on a family walk with his three children in 2020.
Amid her heartbreak, Garner stepped out in LA on Wednesday.
She smiled and showed off her famous dimples while out and about, with wet hair and black thick-rimmed glasses.
The mother of three, who shares her brood with ex-husband Ben Affleck, added a pair of faded jeans and gray clogs.
Garner’s Apple TV+ series The Last Thing He Told Me is based on the bestseller of the same name by Laura Dave.
Season two, which follows the upcoming literary sequel, was announced last March.
Dave’s latest book will be released in 2025, before the show returns, according to a report from THR.
When the continuation of the series — which was originally intended to be limited — was announced, Garner shared a statement about her excitement.
“Like many people, I fell for Hannah on page one of Laura Dave’s gripping novel,” she said.
The star, who also serves as executive producer, added: ‘The transition from reader and superfan to actor and producer has been delightful – and made even more enjoyable by working with Laura, Josh [Singer]Reese and everyone at Hello Sunshine, as well as the great teams at Apple and 20th.”