On Wednesday's episode of Live with Kelly and Mark, hosts Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos mourned the loss of their beloved dog, Chewie, who passed away just the day before on February 4. This heart-wrenching news set the tone for the show, where the couple openly expressed their sorrow amid tears and cherished memories of their steadfast companion.
Mark Consuelos opened the broadcast by describing the past day's events as particularly challenging for the couple. 'We had to say goodbye to Chewie yesterday,' he shared, explaining her decline over the last few weeks. 'Chewie had stopped eating for a couple of days and had been eating less and less for the past few weeks. She was extremely dehydrated and had some neurological stuff going on,' he added. The couple's decision to have Chewie euthanized was not made lightly, with Consuelos stating it was one of the toughest moments they had faced together as husband and wife.
Ripa sat quietly during much of Mark's initial speech but was quickly overtaken by emotion when he noted how they adopted Chewie on the show years prior. 'I really thought I got it all out and I apologize because I did not. This is not how I wanted this to go down,' Kelly said, struggling to catch her breath. Amid tears, she reflected on the unconditional love their pet brought to their lives. 'God, she gave us so much. We’re filled with gratitude for this dog,' she said, remembering how Chewie had provided companionship as their three children grew up and left home.
Chewie had been more than just a family pet; she was described as part of the fabric of their lives. Ripa recalled how Chewie had become everyone’s friend, with many people coming to pay their respects after she passed. 'It was, dare I say, presidential. People came, not just our friends and family, but also our mail carrier and others from the neighborhood,' Ripa shared, embodying how Chewie was adored not just by them, but by the entire community. "She was like the neighborhood dog,” she added, highlighting Chewie's significant social presence.
The fond memories continued as Ripa noted Chewie's unique personality, describing how she often behaved more like a cat, gently seeking affection instead of the conventional dog approach. 'After she passed away last night, I kissed her a thousand times on the face. I kissed her nose; I had never kissed her nose before,' she said, humorously recalling how Chewie was often standoffish about face kisses. 'I know she was somewhere in dog heaven pissed off, but I didn’t care because it just was so nice to have had those moments,' Ripa reflected, showcasing her love for Chewie.
Throughout the segment, Kelly and Mark's bond and support for one another shone through. Mark assured Ripa and their audience, 'We’re going to get through it all together,' emphasizing the importance of their shared grief. This tragic loss marked the first major bereavement for the couple, as Kelly expressed relief for being fortunate enough to have lost so little else before acquiring such deep connections. 'We still have all of our parents,' Kelly noted, acknowledging how grief can hit differently at various stages of life.
Days prior to Chewie's passing, Ripa had shared what she termed as 'extraordinary' news about the dog's health, celebrating small victories such as Chewie being able to lift herself up after struggling. With joy, she stated, 'If you’re a pet owner, you know this is massive.' Her emotional rollercoaster throughout Chewie's last days captured the ups and downs of pet ownership, where brief moments of hope can quickly shift to sorrow.
Despite their heavy hearts, the couple continued with their show. Fans of Live with Kelly and Mark admired their authenticity and openness, as the co-hosts openly navigated their grief live on air, giving viewers insight not just to their lives as entertainers, but also as pet owners who have loved deeply and lost.
Kelly and Mark's poignant tribute serves as a reminder of the special bonds forged between people and their pets, and the grace with which love and loss can intertwine, offering comfort even amid the most difficult of farewells. The dog Chewie will surely be remembered not just by her family but also by the neighbors who cherished her presence, showcasing how animals truly can affect our lives remarkably.