Mark Consuelos Says He'd Remain Married to Keep Their Dog Amid Pennsylvania Pet Law Discussion
During a pre-recorded episode of their talk show, Mark Consuelos joked he would stay in a marriage rather than lose their dog Lena, while the couple discussed a Pennsylvania bill that would treat pets as family members in divorce cases.
Mark Consuelos told co-host Kelly Ripa on a pre-recorded segment of their daytime program that he would prefer to stay in a marriage rather than be separated from their dog, Lena. The comment came while the pair were talking about a proposed Pennsylvania law that would classify pets as family members for the purpose of divorce proceedings.
Ripa explained that the legislation would "recognize pets as family members, elevating their status in situations such as divorce." The discussion led Consuelos to say, "I would stay in a loveless marriage just to make sure I could be with Lena every day. That's how much I love Lena." Ripa responded humorously, "Is that all you're asking for, is a loveless marriage? Because that can be arranged," before adding, "Done!"
The couple adopted Lena, a Maltese-Shih Tzu mix, in March 2021 after she appeared on a pet-adoption segment of the show. Lena has become a regular presence on the program. They previously owned another rescue dog, Chewie, who died in February 2025 at age 17. Ripa recalled Chewie's long-term role in their family, saying she had been a steadfast companion as their children left home.