Gene Hackman’s 2 Surviving Dogs Are Healthy and Safe, Boarder Says

Even those who knew little about the personal lives of retired actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were aware of their deep love for dogs.

The couple, who were found dead in their home last week, had kept a low profile in recent years. However, when they were seen in their neighborhood, it was often while walking their dogs or driving with them in the backseat. According to neighbors, their faces would light up whenever they encountered fellow dog lovers.

Amid the shock of their passing, those who knew them have also been grieving the loss of one of their three dogs, which was found deceased inside a crate at their home.

“Betsy and Gene were devoted dog parents,” said Joey Padilla, owner of Santa Fe Tails, a local dog daycare, training, and boarding facility. “They understood the value of proper training, a nutritious diet, and socialization. Their dogs’ well-being was always their top priority.”

Padilla identified the deceased dog as Zinna, an Australian Kelpie mix—a breed known for its loyalty. Once a returned shelter dog, Zinna had flourished under Betsy’s care, becoming, as Padilla put it, “an incredible companion.”

The couple’s two other dogs, both German shepherds named Bear and Nikita, were found alive on the property.

“The surviving dogs are in good health and receiving excellent care in a familiar environment,” Padilla assured. He added that he was awaiting instructions from Ms. Arakawa’s attorney regarding their future.

Earlier, investigators from the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office had initially reported that all three dogs were German shepherds.

“Our deputies don’t regularly work with dogs,” explained office spokesperson Denise Womack-Avila. “It’s understandable how they might have mistaken Zinna for another German shepherd.”

Authorities have yet to determine how long Zinna had been deceased before the couple was discovered on February 26. Data from Mr. Hackman’s pacemaker last recorded activity on February 17, suggesting the couple may have been dead for up to nine days before being found. It remains unclear whether Zinna, confined in the crate, had access to food or water.

The ability of dogs to survive without sustenance varies based on age, health, and other factors. However, veterinarians generally agree that most dogs cannot survive longer than three days without water and five days without food.

Officials noted that the surviving dogs had access to the property’s yard via a back door, which was either open or equipped with a dog door.

The circumstances surrounding the couple’s deaths remain uncertain. Authorities announced on Wednesday that a press conference would be held on Friday afternoon to share updates on the investigation. Representatives from the state medical examiner’s office, responsible for the autopsies, are also expected to provide new information.

Mr. Hackman, 95, was discovered lying on the floor of the home’s mudroom near his cane, while Ms. Arakawa, 65, was found on the bathroom floor beside a counter strewn with pills.

Police recovered several common medications from the residence, including Tylenol, heart medication, and thyroid medication. Experts have noted that while overdosing on these medications is possible, it is neither typical nor easy.

Known for their private lifestyle, Mr. Hackman and Ms. Arakawa resided in a secluded cul-de-sac within Santa Fe Summit, a gated community east of the city.

Authorities confirmed that there were no security cameras inside or outside the home. Investigators plan to analyze data from two cellphones found at the scene to determine the last known contact with the couple. A key factor in the investigation could be pending toxicology reports.

Sheriff Adan Mendoza stated that carbon monoxide poisoning had been largely ruled out, as tests on both bodies came back negative for the deadly gas.