Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos Welcome a Heart-Melting New Family Member

Quick Smiles:

• Kelly and Mark rescue a new pup after losing their beloved Chewie
• The couple hopes their Maltese Shih Tzu mix Lena will bond with the newcomer
• Kelly feels their late dog may have sent the perfect match from above

Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos have opened their hearts to a brand-new four-legged family member. The television hosts shared the joyful update on their show after nearly two years of healing following the loss of their cherished Shih Tzu, Chewie.

The couple introduced their rescued pup, originally named Lucas, to viewers and later decided to call him Javi. They made sure their Maltese Shih Tzu mix, Lena, would accept the newcomer before fully welcoming him home.

“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.”

Once the dogs met, Kelly noticed an unmistakable resemblance between Javi and their late companion. She shared a touching reflection on how this new arrival felt like a gentle sign from above.

“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.’”

The hosts had hoped to find another small black dog like Lena, but fate delivered something even more meaningful. Kelly described the moment with heartfelt surprise and gratitude.

“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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