Kelly Ripa Gets Emotional as She and Mark Consuelos Adopt a New Puppy — and the Heartbreaking Connection to Their Late Dog Chewie Makes It Even More Special

Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos have welcomed a new addition to their family, and the story behind their adorable puppy has left Ripa reflecting on the beloved dog she lost.

The couple confirmed during the October 13 episode of Live With Kelly and Mark that they had officially adopted a four-month-old Shih Tzu who appeared on their show just one day earlier.

Originally named Lucas, the rescued puppy has already been given a new name: Javi, short for Javier.

But for Ripa, the decision to adopt him carries a meaning that goes far beyond bringing another pet into their home.

The television host believes the unexpected arrival of Javi may be a touching reminder of Chewie, her cherished dog who died at age 17.

Mark Consuelos Announces Their New Family Member

 

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The exciting news came at the beginning of Tuesday’s broadcast when Consuelos revealed that the couple had decided to adopt the puppy following his appearance during the show’s Adoption Week.

“We have news. We adopted Javi yesterday,” Consuelos announced.

Ripa immediately shared her excitement, describing the experience as preparing to welcome another baby.

“We have a new baby,” she said.

However, Javi has not yet moved into the couple’s home.

Ripa explained that they must wait for some medical examinations and tests before bringing him home permanently.

In the meantime, she admitted that the anticipation had already affected her sleep.

Comparing herself to an expectant parent, Ripa revealed that she had spent the previous night preparing for the puppy’s arrival.

“I started nesting last night. I couldn’t sleep,” she confessed.

Her enthusiasm made it clear that the little dog had already become an important part of the family.

The Puppy Who Won Mark Consuelos Over Instantly

Javi first appeared on Live With Kelly and Mark during the October 12 broadcast.

Consuelos walked onto the set carrying the tiny Shih Tzu, then settled into his chair with the puppy resting comfortably on his lap.

The dog, then known as Lucas, was featured as part of the show’s adoption initiative.

According to the program’s website, the four-month-old puppy had recently been rescued from a puppy mill.

Described as friendly and affectionate, he was looking for a permanent home.

It didn’t take long for Consuelos to become attached.

Ripa joked that seeing her husband holding the puppy revealed an unexpectedly gentle side of him.

She also noticed that Consuelos had already started thinking about a new name.

He suggested calling the dog Javier, or Javi for short.

Ripa immediately recognized the significance of that decision, teasing him for naming a puppy they had not yet agreed to adopt.

By the following day, however, the name had become official.

Their Dog Lena Gets an Important Introduction

Before making the adoption decision, Ripa and Consuelos arranged for their existing dog, Lena, to meet the newcomer.

Lena was brought onto the show’s set for an introduction that the couple later shared on Instagram.

Consuelos described the meeting as a chemistry test between the two dogs.

Although Lena did not bark at Javi, Ripa admitted that her reaction was not exactly enthusiastic.

“She’s as terrified of Javi as she is every other dog,” Ripa joked.

Nevertheless, the couple appeared optimistic about their pets eventually developing a friendship.

Ripa suggested that Lena would become more comfortable with Javi over time, while Consuelos predicted that they would eventually be great companions.

The introduction was especially important because Lena has already been part of the family for several years.

Like Javi, she was adopted after appearing during a dog adoption segment on Live.

Kelly Ripa Believes Chewie Sent Her a Special Gift

The most emotional part of the adoption story came when Ripa reflected on her late dog, Chewie.

Chewie died in February 2025 at the age of 17, leaving the family devastated.

Ripa has spoken openly about how deeply she loved the dog and how difficult it has been to adjust to life without her.

While discussing Javi, she recalled seeing a social media comment suggesting that Chewie had sent the puppy into their lives.

The message resonated immediately.

Ripa admitted that she had been thinking something similar herself.

She explained that when she considered adopting another dog, she initially imagined finding a small black dog resembling Lena.

She had not been searching for a puppy who reminded her of Chewie.

But when Consuelos appeared with Javi, the resemblance and emotional connection caught her by surprise.

For Ripa, it felt as though the little dog had arrived at exactly the right moment.

She also revealed another meaningful coincidence: the producer who introduced Javi to the couple was the same person who had originally handed Lena to her on the show.

A New Beginning After Losing a Beloved Companion

Chewie held a special place in the Consuelos family.

Following her death, Ripa shared an emotional Instagram tribute recalling how the dog had grown up alongside their children.

Chewie remained a constant companion as their children became adults and moved away from home.

Ripa remembered how the dog would wait near the front door whenever family members returned for visits.

Her tribute celebrated the years of companionship and unconditional affection Chewie had given them.

Although Ripa acknowledged that she would always mourn her beloved pet, adopting Javi represents an opportunity to welcome new joy into the household.

The couple have now adopted three dogs connected to their television show: Chewie, Lena and Javi.

For Consuelos, the newest arrival means another furry companion at home.

For Ripa, it represents something even more personal.

After the heartbreak of saying goodbye to Chewie, the unexpected arrival of little Javi has given Kelly Ripa a reason to smile again — and she cannot help believing her beloved dog may have had something to do with it.