Kelly Ripa Embraces ‘Memories of Joy’ Amid Heartbreaking Family Loss

Kelly Ripa and her family are reflecting on precious memories as they navigate the death of a beloved loved one.

Ripa and her husband, Mark Consuelos, first met in 1995 when working on “All My Children.” They wed in 1996 and have raised three children together. Michael arrived in June 1997, followed by Lola in June 2001 and Joaquin in February 2003.

When the kids were all young, Ripa and Consuelos added another member to the family: their dog Chewie. She was a beloved family companion to them all for 18 years.

In recent weeks, Chewie’s health deteriorated, and the family recently had her put to sleep. Ripa and Consuelos shared the news on their morning show on February 6, and she cried throughout the show segment. Ripa was unable to open up about the loss on social media until now.

In a new Instagram post, she shared, “We were the luckiest family to have loved and been loved by Chewie.”

Kelly Ripa Grieves the Loss of the Family’s ‘Stoic Constant Companion’

On February 19, Ripa shared a sweet video on her Instagram page and included a lengthy caption.

Ripa began her caption by admitting, “I’ve been avoiding posting this because it somehow makes it real and I’m not quite ready to let go. It’s been extremely painful to lose our beloved Chewie.”

She continued, “We ache for her every single day. We still look for her and call to her and frankly feel lost. We are so grateful for the almost 18 years we had with this special lady.”

The video Ripa shared was a montage of moments the family experienced with Chewie throughout her nearly two decades of life with them. The dog first appeared on television as a pup and made numerous additional appearances over the years.

Ripa noted, “She grew up with our kids and remained at our sides when each left the nest. She waited by the front door to welcome her siblings back home when they returned for visits. She was our stoic constant companion,” Ripa added.

Fans & Fellow Entertainers Sent Ripa Lots of Love

In the caption of her Instagram post, Ripa also shared, “We know she is running free now somewhere warm and sunny, unburdened by her failing body. We were the luckiest family to have loved and been loved by Chewie.”

When Ripa and Consuelos talked about the loss of Chewie on the show, they noted she was essentially the entire neighborhood’s dog. The family was flooded with love and support from neighbors after Chewie’s death, and people online did the same in response to Ripa’s Instagram post.

Demi Moore commented, “Sweet girl!! What a gift they are our 4 legged family members! 🐾❤️🐶”

“OMG!! An icon in all of our lives. The OG! She’s forever in our hearts, and for sure running free and watching over us all, ❤️❤️” a fan wrote.

“All My Children” alum Eva LaRue added, “Kelly! I got so choked up at this beautiful honorarium to sweet Chewie! Send you so much love my friend. ❤️❤️❤️”

Another fan shared, “I am so happy to see this wonderful collage of photos and videos of the precious dog! I have followed her from the time you adopted her and how lucky you were to have had her for SO long!”

That commenter continued, “You help keep her memory alive by talking about her and sharing photos. The love you have for her is mutual… she lived a fabulous life and knew she was adored! Thank you for this beautiful post. ❤️👍❤️😍😍😍”

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