In February 2025, Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos announced the loss of their beloved dog, Chewie, during an episode of Live with Kelly and Mark. The fluffy little Shih Tzu was 17 years old and brought the entire family so much joy. After nearly two years, the couple announced on October 13, 2026, that they had a new “baby.” Kelly and Mark rescued a pup named Lucas, who appeared on the show a day earlier. But now that he’s part of the family, he’ll go by Javi.
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Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos Love Their Dogs
Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos wanted to make sure that their Maltese Shih Tzu mix, Lena, liked Javi.
“Lena’s on her way here to see Lucas slash Javi,” Kelly said. “We’re going to have a chemistry test. See if they get along.”
After Javi and Lena got together, Kelly realized how much Javi reminded her of Chewie.
“I kept thinking about how much Javi reminded me of Chewie,” Kelly said. “And I was thinking, ‘Oh, I bet Chewie sent Javi here for us.’”
Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos weren’t looking for a dog like Chewie, but this Javi seems like a match sent from doggy heaven.
“My beloved dog, who I will never get over and mourn for the rest of my life, sent this little dog here,” Kelly said. “Because I really, I decided I was only going to get a dog, and I didn’t really care about the breed, but I wanted a dog that looked exactly like Lena. Just a small little black dog. That’s what I was in the market for. And then you brought this Chewie-like dog, and I was like, ‘Oh my gosh!’ ”
This story’s featured image is by José Alvarado Jr./Disney via Getty Images
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