Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos are facing a heartbreaking loss after making one of the most difficult decisions in their marriage. 

On the Wednesday episode of Live with Kelly and Mark, the couple revealed that their beloved dog, Chewie, had passed away on Tuesday, February 4, at the age of 17.

The emotional revelation came at the start of their podcast episode, where they shared their grief with listeners.

“We had a rough day yesterday,” Ripa began.

“We had to say goodbye to Chewie yesterday.”

A Difficult Decision for the Couple

The longtime pet owners explained that their beloved Shih Tzu had not been eating for several days and had been gradually consuming less food over the past few weeks. Concerned about Chewie’s health, they had a veterinarian visit their apartment to assess her condition.

Mark Consuelos, 53, detailed what the vet had discovered. “She was extremely dehydrated and had some neurological stuff going down,” he explained. Despite knowing they were making the best decision for Chewie, the actor admitted that it was an incredibly tough moment for them as a couple.

“You think, ‘Okay, I’m doing the right thing, this is going to be not easy but…’” Consuelos trailed off, reflecting on the difficulty of saying goodbye to their beloved pet. “It’s probably one of the toughest things we’ve had to do as a married couple.”

The Emotional Toll of Losing a Pet

For Ripa and Consuelos, Chewie was more than just a pet—she was a part of their family for nearly two decades. The All My Children alums, who have been married since 1996, shared how painful it was to make the decision to let her go.

“It’s grief. It really is grief,” Consuelos said, describing the deep emotional impact of losing their furry companion. However, he found some solace in knowing they had made the right choice for Chewie. “We did the right thing because it was just going to be really, really, really bad over the next few days for her.”

Ripa, 54, echoed his sentiments, adding that only fellow pet owners could truly understand the profound sense of loss they were experiencing.

Chewie’s Special Place in Their Lives

Chewie was an important part of Ripa and Consuelos’ lives, and their journey with her began in a unique and heartfelt way. The couple adopted the Shih Tzu after Ripa first met her during an adoption segment on Live. The connection was instant, and from that moment on, Chewie became a cherished member of their family.

Over the years, Ripa frequently spoke about Chewie on the show and shared adorable photos of her on social media. The tiny dog was not only a source of love and joy in their household but also a beloved presence for Live viewers who had come to know and adore her through Ripa’s stories.

Fans and Fellow Pet Owners Offer Support

After the news broke, fans and fellow celebrities flooded social media with messages of support for the couple. Many who have experienced the pain of losing a pet reached out to express their condolences, sharing their own stories of grief and healing.

Losing a pet is never easy, and for Ripa and Consuelos, Chewie’s passing marks the end of a beautiful chapter in their lives. As they navigate this difficult time, they find comfort in knowing that Chewie lived a long, happy life filled with love.

Honoring Chewie’s Memory

For pet lovers everywhere, Chewie’s story is a reminder of the special bond between humans and their furry companions. While her passing is undoubtedly painful, Ripa and Consuelos will forever cherish the memories they shared with her.

As they continue their journey together, the couple remains grateful for the joy that Chewie brought into their lives. While she may no longer be physically present, the love they had for her will always remain.

What are your thoughts on Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos’ emotional farewell to Chewie? Share your condolences and thoughts in the comments below.