If you’ve watched even five minutes of Live with Kelly and Mark, you know the family is basically a dog family first and a TV dynasty second. Honestly, the way Kelly Ripa talks about her pets is exactly how she talks about her three kids—Michael, Lola, and Joaquin. They are the "fourth" children. But lately, things have been a little quieter and a lot more emotional in the Ripa-Consuelos household.
The Passing of a Legend: Chewie’s 17-Year Reign
In February 2025, the show took a heavy turn. Kelly and Mark sat down at the host desk, and you could just tell something was wrong. They announced that their beloved dog, Chewie, had passed away.
She was 17.
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Seventeen years is a lifetime in the dog world. Chewie, a white and brown Shih Tzu, wasn't just a pet; she was a witness to the couple's entire life. She was there when the kids were babies. She was there when they moved houses. She was there through every career milestone. Mark actually had to do most of the talking because Kelly was so visibly gutted. She kept apologizing for crying on air, which, let’s be real, nobody blamed her for.
They had a vet come to their New York City apartment for an in-home euthanasia because Chewie’s health had just hit a wall. She’d stopped eating. She was dehydrated. She had some neurological issues. It was that "quality of life" conversation that every pet owner absolutely dreads. Kelly mentioned later that Chewie was always a bit of a "stoic" girl—she didn't like people kissing her face. But in those final moments, Kelly kissed her nose a thousand times.
Enter Lena: The Rescue Who Had to Learn the Ropes
While the loss of Chewie left a massive hole, the house isn't empty. They still have Lena.
Lena is a Maltese/Shih Tzu mix (often called a Malshi) that Kelly adopted back in March 2021. If you remember that segment on Live, Kelly was basically smitten from the second she saw the pup during a "Happy Pets" segment. She actually worried about Chewie’s reaction. She didn't want the "OG" dog to feel replaced.
The turning point? Kelly caught the two of them touching noses through Lena’s crate. That was it. The deal was sealed.
But Lena isn't exactly a "tough" dog. In fact, Mark and Kelly joke that she has absolutely zero survival skills. One time in Palm Springs, they had "ten minutes of hell" when they thought Lena had vanished. They were screaming her name into the wind, Kelly was crying because she thought a palm frond in the road was a dead dog—only to find Lena curled up in her travel carrier inside the house.
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She's just that kind of dog. Kinda oblivious. Totally sweet.
Why They Haven't Gotten a New Sibling (Yet)
A lot of fans were wondering if "Pet Week" in late 2025 would mean a new addition. Kelly and Mark actually brought home a tiny toy poodle puppy named Cooper for a "test drive."
It didn't work out.
Lena was absolutely terrified of him. Imagine a dog being scared of a creature the size of a hamster. Lena hid behind Mark’s legs and refused to engage. Even though Kelly loved Cooper's temperament—she called it a "jackpot" for whoever eventually adopted him—they decided to put Lena’s comfort first. They’re currently working on socializing her in Central Park, but according to Kelly, Lena isn't convinced that other dogs are safe yet.
What This Tells Us About Rescue Life
Kelly’s experience with Chewie and Lena highlights a few things that often get glossed over in the "perfect" world of celebrity pets:
- Grief is long. Kelly admitted months after Chewie died that she still isn't over it. She says she "still looks for her" at the front door.
- Temperament is everything. You can't just force a new dog into a house because they're cute. If the resident dog is "terrified," the vibes are ruined for everyone.
- Senior care is a full-time job. Before Chewie passed, the couple was open about the "agonizing" process of watching a senior dog decline. It’s expensive, it’s emotional, and it requires a lot of patience.
If you’re looking to follow in their footsteps and adopt, don't rush the process. Kelly always says she doesn't go by "breed or style"—she goes by the energy of the dog. Lena was a match because she eventually bonded with Chewie. Cooper wasn't a match because he overwhelmed Lena.
Next Steps for Pet Owners
If you're dealing with the loss of a long-term pet like Chewie, or trying to introduce a new rescue like Lena, here is the move:
- Wait for the "Nose Touch": Don't force a "meet and greet." Use crates or baby gates to let dogs sniff each other safely before they're in the same room.
- Acknowledge the Grief: It’s okay to not be "over it" in a month. If Kelly Ripa can cry on national TV about a 17-year-old Shih Tzu, you can definitely take your time.
- Check the Carrier: Before you panic-call the police because your dog is "missing," check every single bag, carrier, and laundry basket in the house. You might save yourself "ten minutes of hell."
The Ripa-Consuelos house might be a "one-dog home" for now, but knowing Kelly, it’s only a matter of time before the right rescue walks onto that stage and changes everything again.