2024 has been a tough year for actress Jennifer Garner, as she faced the heartbreaking loss of two dear family members—her beloved golden retriever, Birdie, and her father, William “Billy Jack” Garner. Even with all the sadness she’s feeling, Jennifer is really holding it together, showing incredible strength and grace. She’s relying on her family, friends, and community to help her get through these tough times.

Right before Thanksgiving, Jennifer hopped on Instagram to share the sad news about Birdie’s passing. Jennifer’s “Pretend Cooking Show” series often showcased her golden retriever, who was more than just a pet—she was a beloved therapy dog and an important part of the Garner family.

“I’m not really sure how to put this into words,” Jennifer shared in her heartfelt post, referring to Birdie as “the world’s best dog.” She mentioned that Birdie had taken a turn for the worse, and a trip to the vet revealed that her cherished friend was approaching the end of her journey.

Jennifer was really thankful for Birdie’s timing, which let one of her kids come back from college to share some special last moments with the family pet. They gathered around Birdie in her final moments, gently stroking her ears and expressing their gratitude for the endless love she had given them.