Gene Hackman's dog walker reveals pet that was found dead 'never left' Betsy Arakawa's side

SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO: As new details continue to emerge after the tragic deaths of Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa, one update sheds light on the deep bond the couple shared with their beloved dogs. 

Hackman's dog trainer recently shared an emotional account of the attachment the couple's pets had to Arakawa, particularly Zinna, the dog found dead alongside them. 

The couple was discovered deceased in their Santa Fe home last week, with the circumstances surrounding their deaths still unclear. Investigators believe Hackman may have died on February 17, when his pacemaker stopped recording activity.

Dog walker Joey Padilla details Betsy Arakawa's deep bond with her dogs

Joey Padilla of Santa Fe Tails told Fox News about his heartfelt conversations with Betsy Arakawa, offering a glimpse into her deep bond with her dogs. He explained how, after COVID, the pianist became particularly protective of her husband and was selective about the people she allowed around him.

Padilla also described the close relationship between Arakawa and the couple's three dogs—Zinna, 12, Bear, 4, and Nikita, 7. He recalled how the dogs would accompany Betsy wherever she went, whether it was running errands or dining out. 

The dog walker revealed that Zinna was always by Arakawa's side. Known for her protective nature, Arakawa was fiercely devoted to both her husband and their pets. 

"We'd go to dinner and the dogs would be in the car. They were very much attached to Betsy. It's hard to explain and encompass how much these dogs meant to these people," he said.

Padilla pointed out that it was Zinna, the couple's eldest dog, who died alongside them, "never left Betsy's side."

"I want to reiterate there is nothing that Betsy wouldn't do for those three dogs," he said.

He added, "In my opinion, there is no way that dog was up on purpose or without a purpose. There was a reason. It just breaks my heart about Zinna. Zinna would not leave Betsy's side, they were attached to the hip. It was a pretty phenomenal connection."

Gene Hackman's dog walker helped rescue two younger dogs after the couple's death

While authorities confirmed the death of Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa's eldest dog Zinna, it’s important to note that Joey Padilla was also involved in rescuing the two younger German Shepherds, Bear, 4, and Nikita, 7.

Padilla, who had cared for and trained the couple’s dogs over the years, received the call on Wednesday, March 26, in the afternoon. Upon arriving at the mansion, he found Bear 10 to 12 feet away from Arakawa while Nikita was running nervously around the sprawling backyard, skittish from the commotion. 

Padilla and his team worked to secure the dogs, but Bear was quickly caught and collared by animal control, as per USA Today. Padilla tried to coax Nikita closer by opening and closing the door to Arakawa’s car, but she kept her distance.

One of Padilla's employees attempted to lure her with treats but was unsuccessful. Eventually, animal control set up a trap overnight, which successfully captured Nikita. Padilla returned the next day to retrieve the dogs.

Struggling with the grief, Padilla said, "It was overwhelming for everybody. There was a lot to intake. I finally said, ‘Listen, I’m just here to help.’" 

He drove the dogs to his pet daycare facility, where he will care for them until the couple’s lawyers determine what to do with the dogs, as per their will.

Padilla assured her that they would not be sent to a shelter. "If only people knew how meticulous and amazing (Hackman and Arakawa) were with the dogs. It breaks my heart," he shared.

He concluded, "I think this is a tragic accident. There’s no way that Betsy would have left that dog in a crate for any other reason."