The 17-Year Reign Of Chewy: A Tribute To Kelly Ripa And Mark Consuelos' Beloved Shih Tzu After His 2025 Passing
The Ripa-Consuelos family recently shared heartbreaking news, confirming the passing of their beloved 17-year-old Shih Tzu, Chewy, in February 2025. This senior rescue dog was a fixture in their lives, a quiet, furry constant who witnessed two decades of family milestones, from raising children to the couple's co-hosting debut on Live with Kelly and Mark. The emotional announcement on the show highlighted the profound impact Chewy had on Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos, demonstrating that for celebrity families and everyday people alike, the loss of a senior pet is an incredibly difficult life event.
In a world of fleeting celebrity news, Chewy's story stands out as a beautiful testament to the power of pet adoption and the enduring love between a family and their rescue dog. This article looks back at the life of the cherished Chewy, his unique personality, and the legacy he leaves behind, which continues to inspire discussions about pet adoption and responsible pet ownership today, December 12, 2025.
Chewy: A Biography of Kelly Ripa's Beloved Shih Tzu
Chewy was not just a pet; he was a beloved, long-time member of the Ripa-Consuelos household. His life spanned nearly two decades, making him a true elder statesman of the family's New York home.
- Name: Chewy (sometimes affectionately spelled Chewie).
- Breed: Shih Tzu.
- Adoption Year: 2007.
- Age at Passing: 17 years old.
- Date of Passing: Early February 2025.
- Family: Kelly Ripa, Mark Consuelos, and their three children: Michael, Lola, and Joaquin.
- Siblings: Lena, a Maltese/Shih Tzu mix rescue dog adopted in 2021.
- Notable Appearances: Frequently featured on Kelly Ripa’s social media and occasionally mentioned on the daytime talk show Live with Kelly and Mark (previously Live with Kelly and Ryan).
Kelly Ripa adopted Chewy in 2007, and he quickly became an integral part of the family's dynamic. His adoption was a significant moment for the family, who have a long history of supporting animal rescue. Over the years, Chewy was often the subject of Ripa's humorous and heartfelt social media posts, giving fans a glimpse into the quiet, loving life of the dog behind the scenes of a major television personality.
The Emotional Farewell: Kelly and Mark’s Touching Tribute
The loss of Chewy in February 2025 was a deeply personal and painful event for the entire family, described by the couple as "the hardest thing they've ever experienced as a couple." The news was shared tearfully on Live with Kelly and Mark, where Mark Consuelos revealed the sad update, causing Kelly Ripa to break down on air.
The couple had been open about Chewy's declining health in the months leading up to his passing. In March 2024, Kelly had shared with viewers that her mind was "back home with Chewie" after he had a particularly bad day, highlighting the constant worry that comes with caring for a very senior pet. Despite the challenges of his old age, Ripa frequently shared "touching updates" about Chewy's resilience, noting times when he seemed his "usual perky self" or managed to self-clean, which were major victories for a 17-year-old dog.
The decision to humanely euthanize Chewy was one of immense difficulty, reflecting the deep love and commitment the family had to ensuring his comfort and dignity in his final moments. The raw, emotional nature of their on-air tribute resonated deeply with viewers, many of whom have experienced the unique grief of losing a long-time companion. This public display of vulnerability provided a moment of connection, showing that even high-profile celebrities face the same heartache when saying goodbye to a beloved family member.
Chewy’s Legacy: The Bond with Lena and the Rescue Mission
Chewy's life was not only defined by his relationship with Kelly and Mark but also by his pivotal role in welcoming their second rescue dog, Lena, a Maltese/Shih Tzu mix, into the family. Lena was originally featured on the show as an adoptable pet in March 2021.
Initially, Kelly Ripa had reservations about adopting another dog, but a tender moment between Chewy and Lena changed everything. Ripa witnessed the two dogs bonding, with Chewy showing companionship to the newer pup. This interaction was the ultimate sign the family needed, leading them to officially adopt Lena. Chewy, the senior statesman, effectively gave his blessing, solidifying his role as the gentle patriarch of the family's canine crew. Lena, who was adopted from the Humane Society, joined Chewy, who was adopted from the North Shore Animal League, further cementing the family's commitment to rescue organizations.
Chewy's passing has naturally led to discussions about the future of the Ripa-Consuelos family pets. The couple has admitted they are "still not over" the death of Chewy, with Mark helping Kelly through her grief. However, they are already "considering" adopting another dog to join Lena. They even temporarily brought home a poodle puppy named Cooper at one point, but decided against the adoption because Lena was terrified of the new dog, showing the family’s priority is Lena’s happiness and comfort. This careful consideration demonstrates the importance of ensuring any new pet is a good fit for the existing family dynamic, a key lesson for all pet owners.
The Enduring Impact of Senior Pet Adoption
Chewy’s 17-year life serves as a powerful endorsement for adopting senior and rescue pets. While many people gravitate toward puppies, Chewy’s long, loving life with a high-profile family showcases the immense joy and companionship that older dogs can provide. Senior pets often come with established personalities, are typically house-trained, and, like Chewy, can thrive when given a loving, stable environment.
The Ripa-Consuelos family's openness about Chewy’s final months, his health struggles, and the profound grief of his loss helps to normalize the experience for millions of pet owners. By sharing their journey, they raise awareness for the need for compassionate care for aging animals and the importance of supporting animal welfare organizations like the North Shore Animal League and the Humane Society. Chewy the Shih Tzu may be gone, but his legacy as a beloved, 17-year-old rescue dog will undoubtedly continue to encourage countless others to open their homes and hearts to a senior pet.
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