Television hosts Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos are temporarily postponing the arrival of their newly adopted rescue puppy, Javi, while the dog receives treatment for a parasite. The couple shared the update during an interview at the Broadway opening night of Other Desert Cities on October 18, explaining that the medical issue must be fully resolved before the puppy can join their household.
The temporary delay follows the couple’s announcement on Live with Kelly and Mark that they had adopted the puppy through Pet ResQ Inc., a New Jersey-based animal rescue organization. Originally named Lucas, the dog was renamed Javi after Consuelos suggested the new moniker during an on-air introduction on October 12.
An Unexpected Medical Delay
Although Ripa and Consuelos officially confirmed their adoption on the October 13 episode of their daytime talk show, Javi has not yet moved into their home. Ripa explained the situation to reporters, stating, “We don’t have him yet because he had a little bit of a health issue.”
Consuelos clarified the exact nature of the delay, confirming that the puppy was being treated for a parasite. “So they’re treating it and then he’s going to come,” Consuelos said, adding that they expect the pup to arrive “any day now.”
Before the health issue was identified, the puppy was introduced to the couple’s existing dog, a Maltese-Shih Tzu mix named Lena. Ripa shared a video of the backstage meeting on Instagram, captioned “When Lena Met Javi (Lucas).” While Lena initially appeared cautious, Ripa noted that the dogs eventually began playing side by side, signaling a smooth transition once Javi is cleared to come home.
Honoring the Memory of Chewie
The addition of Javi holds special emotional significance for Ripa, who viewed the puppy’s arrival as a meaningful sign following the death of their beloved dog, Chewie, in February 2025. Chewie passed away at the age of 17 after experiencing declining health, leaving a lasting void in the household.
“My beloved dog, who I will never get over and mourn for the rest of my life, sent this little dog here,” Ripa shared during an episode of Live with Kelly and Mark.
Ripa admitted that while she originally set out to find a small black dog that looked exactly like Lena, seeing Consuelos hold the rescue puppy immediately reminded her of Chewie. With medical treatments nearly complete, the couple is eagerly preparing for Javi’s eventual homecoming, with Ripa joking that she has already started nesting in anticipation.
