On Wednesday’s episode of “Live with Kelly and Mark,” Kelly Ripa shared the heartbreaking news of her beloved dog Chewie’s passing. The 17-year-old Shih Tzu, who had been a steadfast presence in the lives of Ripa and her husband, Mark Consuelos, was euthanized in their New York City apartment after suffering from health issues.
Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos share tragic loss on ‘Live’
The morning talk show took a poignant turn as Mark Consuelos opened the episode, recounting the emotional goodbye they bid to Chewie the day before. With a visible mix of sadness and resolve, Consuelos explained how the couple faced the heartbreaking decision due to Chewie’s declining health, marked by loss of appetite, dehydration, and neurological problems. “It’s probably one of the toughest things that we’ve had to do as a married couple,” Consuelos shared. He acknowledged that only fellow pet parents could truly comprehend the depth of such grief.
Kelly Ripa, visibly emotional, fought back tears as she recalled the life and times they shared with Chewie. They welcomed the dog into their home after “Live” featured her in an adoption segment, making her an integral part of both their family and the show. The couple’s children grew up alongside Chewie, and the pup remained a constant presence even as their kids left for college.
Ripa also shared a tender memory from the night of Chewie’s death, revealing that she finally had the chance to kiss Chewie’s face, something the dog had always been particular about. In her sorrow, Ripa found solace in this intimate farewell. “I know that she was like somewhere in dog heaven, pissed off,” Ripa quipped. “But I didn’t care because it just was so nice to have that.”
Meanwhile, Consuelos comforted his wife, acknowledging her as a “great dog mom” and assuring her that they would “get through this” difficult time together. The couple are still pet parents to another dog, Lena, a Maltese/Shih Tzu mix whom Ripa adopted in 2020.
