Kelly Ripa is mourning the loss of her family pet, Chewie. In a new Instagram post, Ripa addressed the loss with her followers, revealing that she'd been avoiding discussing her dog's passing.
In a video shared on her Instagram, Ripa and Chewie are seen through the years, including the moment when Ripa first met her on her show and decided to adopt her. More videos show her children walking and playing with Chewie, with Ripa revealing that Chewie was a constant presence in her household for the past 18 years.
The photos and videos show Chewie at Ripa's show, on family trips, after haircuts, and more, showing that she was loved and cared for throughout her entire life.
The tribute is set to a cover of Coldplay's "The Scientist," interpreted by Ripa's daughter, Lola Consuelos.
"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. We ache for her every single day. We still look for her and call to her and frankly feel lost," wrote Ripa in the post's caption.
Ripa's touching tribute shared the best things about her pet
Ripa's tribute continued by sharing how grateful she and her family were for all of the time they had with Chewie.
"We are so grateful for the almost 18 years we had with this special lady. 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," she wrote.
Ripa concluded the post on a more hopeful note, knowing that Chewie is somewhere enjoying herself, "somewhere warm and sunny, unburdened by her failing body."
"We were the luckiest family to have loved and been loved by Chewie."
Ripa and her husband Mark Consuelos addressed Chewie's loss on an episode of "Live with Kelly and Mark," revealing that her loss had been "one of the toughest things we've had to do."