“The vet told us that dogs often hang on until their person comes home from college,” Garner said, referring to her oldest daughter, Violet Anne Affleck, 18. “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.”

Jennifer Garner shared the sad news on Wednesday that her beloved dog -- and sometimes Pretend Cooking Show co-star -- Birdie had died.

Jennifer Garner and her family said goodbye to a very good girl last Thursday. The actress announced via Instagram on Wednesday, November 27, that her dog Birdie died after living “a happy dog life.” “It is hard to know how to write this— it seems nuts,

She lived a happy dog life and is now in the role she was born to play: angel girl,” the actress wrote in a heartfelt Instagram tribute.

Jennifer Garner had a rather happy and sad Thanksgiving as she came to terms with the demise of her family dog Birdie but felt relieved as her daughter Violet Affleck was coming home from college. The holiday coincided with the passing of her lovely golden retriever.

Jennifer Garner and family say goodbye to beloved dog, Birdie.

Jennifer Garner has made an emotional announcement on social media ahead of Thanksgiving. The 13 Going on 30 actor, 52, announced the death of her dog, a golden retriever named Birdie, who she welcomed into her life just after her break up from Ben Affleck in 2015.

Longtime actress Jennifer Garner celebrated Thanksgiving with a heavy heart this year. Earlier this week, she had to say goodbye to her beloved dog, Birdie. Garner shared this heartbreaking news with a lengthy message on Instagram.