Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos Adopt Rescue Dog Javi

Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos adopted a rescue puppy named Javi on October 13, 2026. The couple announced their decision during the October 13 episode of Live with Kelly and Mark, which was part of the show's annual Adopt a Dog Week. They had first brought Javi onto the set the previous day, October 12. The dog came to the show through Pet ResQ Inc., an animal rescue organization based in New Jersey.

Javi took an immediate liking to Mark Consuelos. Ripa said she saw a kinder, gentler version of her husband when he held the dog. The couple, married for 30 years and parents to three adult children, shared footage of the dogs' first meeting on social media. Producer Ashley Lewis, who had previously helped introduce the family to their other dog, Lena, facilitated this connection as well.

Honoring Chewie's Legacy

The adoption marks a heartfelt new chapter for the family, who lost their cherished Shih Tzu, Chewie, in February 2025. Chewie was 17 years old and had been a constant companion throughout their children's lives. His passing was profoundly felt. Consuelos called it one of the toughest things they've had to do as a married couple. Ripa said she would mourn Chewie for the rest of her life.

Javi's arrival is deeply intertwined with this loss. Ripa explained that Javi reminded her of Chewie. While she had been looking for a small black dog like their Maltese-Shih Tzu mix, Lena, the Chewie-like Javi appeared instead. She told viewers she kept thinking about their late dog while watching Javi. "Oh, I bet Chewie sent Javi here for us," Kelly Ripa said.

Javi and Lena's Compatibility

A critical step before finalizing the adoption was ensuring compatibility with the family's existing dog, Lena. Lena is a Maltese-Shih Tzu mix who also joined the family after appearing on Live. The couple planned a gradual introduction. Accounts differ on the initial reaction. One report states Lena seemed a little uncertain about Javi at first, but the introduction went well enough to proceed. Another says the dogs got along immediately upon introduction. Regardless, the outcome was positive. Consuelos was already hopeful that Lena and Javi would become great buddies.

Family and Medical Readiness

The excitement of the adoption kept Ripa awake the night before the announcement. She joked that she started nesting and preparing for Javi's arrival. Consuelos was so taken with the puppy that he began calling him Javi, short for Javier, even though Ripa reminded him the rescue had named the dog Lucas. He described the dog as calm and easygoing.

Practical steps remain before Javi fully joins the household. The dog still needs to complete medical testing. The couple will continue to introduce Javi and Lena gradually, giving them time to become comfortable sharing a home.