Kelly Ripa has opened up about how she is coping with the heartbreaking loss of her beloved Shih Tzu, Chewie, who passed away earlier this month at the age of 17. 

The television personality shared her emotions during a heartfelt discussion with her husband and co-host, Mark Consuelos, on a recent episode of Live with Kelly and Mark.

During the Wednesday broadcast, the couple reflected on Chewie’s final moments and an unusual burst of energy she exhibited just before passing. 

Their conversation was prompted by a recent article in the New York Post that explored a brainwave pattern known as Gamma synchrony, 

which some experts believe could be evidence of the soul leaving the body at the time of death.

Consuelos read a passage from the article aloud, explaining, “A spike in end-of-life brain activity could be evidence of the soul leaving the body, experts say.” 

He continued, “A flare of energy in the brain of a dying patient who had no blood pressure or heart rate could be evidence that the soul leaves the body after death, according to an expert. Isn’t that wild?”

According to the article, Stuart Hameroff, an anesthesiologist and professor of anesthesiology and psychology, has studied these brainwave patterns, which are associated with conscious thought, awareness, and perception. These patterns can be detected by EEG scans and have been observed lasting up to 30 to 90 seconds after a patient is clinically deceased.

Ripa found the study’s findings fascinating, responding, “I mean, that is wild… Wow… I don’t know what to think about that.” She then recalled Chewie’s final moments, noting how the elderly pup appeared to experience a sudden burst of vitality just before taking her last breath.

“Do you remember? Right before Chewie took her final breath, she got a little burst of energy,” she told Consuelos. “And we were like, ‘Oh my gosh, everything’s going to be okay.’ There was a moment where we really thought, ‘Okay, whatever she was going through for the past few weeks, it’s over now.’ But it was just like, uh, I think it was that. It was exactly that. She got this burst of energy, maybe.”

The emotional conversation follows a previous episode of Live where Ripa and Consuelos broke the news of Chewie’s passing. Consuelos took the lead in making the announcement, explaining that the senior dog had stopped eating and had become extremely dehydrated. Ripa was visibly emotional during the segment, covering her eyes as she wiped away tears.

Though she tried to remain composed, Ripa admitted, “I’m really sorry. I thought I got it all out, guys. I really thought I got it all out, and I apologize because I did not. This is not how I wanted this to go down. God, she gave us so much.”

As she reflected on the impact Chewie had on her life, Ripa acknowledged how grateful she and her family were for their time with the pup. She and Consuelos share three children—Michael, 27, Lola, 23, and Joaquin, 21—who also loved Chewie dearly. Their other dog, Lena, now remains their sole canine companion.

“We’re filled with gratitude for this dog,” Ripa continued. “I apologize, I’m so sorry. She gave us so much. As each one of our kids left for college and then moved out on their own, Chewie remained right there like our steadfast companion.”

Ripa went on to describe Chewie’s unique personality, saying, “She was so special and she was such a good girl. She was very much like a cat in a lot of ways. She pet you when she wanted affection. She never let us kiss her face. She was very precious about her face. She was not that dog.”

However, after Chewie passed, Ripa made sure to shower her with love in a way she hadn’t been able to before. “After she passed away last night, I kissed her a thousand times on the face, I kissed her nose,” she shared. “I’d never kissed her nose before. And I know that she was like, somewhere in dog heaven, p**sed! But, I didn’t care because it was just so nice to have that.”

Following the deeply emotional segment, fans reached out to Ripa on social media, offering their condolences and support. Many viewers related to her grief, expressing that they, too, had experienced similar losses.

One fan wrote, “Watching you now and crying! Don’t apologize! Chewie is part of your family! I went through it too. It’s been seven months and I’m still missing mine! You were always talking about both your dogs! Chewie had a great life! I’m so sorry for your loss.”

While the pain of losing a cherished pet remains fresh, Ripa and her family continue to cherish the many happy memories they shared with Chewie. Their bond with the beloved pup remains strong, even in her absence.

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