Additional Coverage:
Santa Fe, NM — The two surviving dogs of the late Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, are safe and adjusting, according to a family friend caring for them. The couple and one of their dogs were found deceased in their Santa Fe home last week, leaving the fate of their other two dogs uncertain.
Joey Padilla, owner of a local dog boarding facility frequented by the couple, confirmed he is currently caring for Bear, a German Shepherd, and Nikita, an Akita-Shepherd mix. He stated he will hold the dogs until Ms.
Arakawa’s wishes regarding their care are determined. Mr.
Padilla described the couple as “amazing friends and dog lovers,” adding that the dogs were “Betsy’s babies.”
The third dog, an Australian Kelpie mix named Zinfandel (Zinna), was found deceased alongside Mr. Hackman and Ms.
Arakawa. Authorities are awaiting toxicology reports to determine the cause of death for the couple.
The last recorded activity on Mr. Hackman’s pacemaker was February 17th, suggesting he may have passed away approximately nine days before being discovered.
Both bodies were found mummified, and the exact sequence of events remains unclear.
The surviving dogs were reportedly found alive in the home, with access to a doggy door. One dog was found near Ms.
Arakawa’s body, while the other was outside. Reports indicate the dogs were in the home for over a week before authorities arrived.