Gene Hackman's Wife Was 'Super Protective' of Husband and Their Beloved Dogs

SANTA FE, N.M. — The late Betsy Arakawa, wife of Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman, was known for being fiercely protective of both her husband and their three dogs, according to Joey Padilla, a longtime friend and dog trainer for the couple.

Padilla, who owns Santa Fe Tails, shared that Arakawa became particularly cautious about bringing people around Hackman after the pandemic began. “She was super protective,” he said, emphasizing her devotion to the actor and their pets.

Arakawa, known for running most of the household errands, rarely went anywhere without her dogs. Whether heading to the store or out to dinner, the trio of furry companions—Zinfandel (affectionately called Zinna), Bear, and Nikita—were always by her side. According to Padilla, the dogs were deeply attached to her and loved accompanying her on car rides, a bond that reflected the couple’s lifelong love for animals.

Padilla worked with the family’s dogs for a decade and described the emotional weight of their loss. “It’s hard to explain how much these dogs meant to them,” he said. Zinna, the oldest of the three and a mixed breed, passed away at age 12. The couple’s two other dogs, German shepherds Bear (4) and Nikita (7), survived but faced challenges during their rescue. Nikita, in particular, proved difficult and had to be trapped using treats due to her fear.

The couple’s generosity extended beyond their pets. Padilla recounted how Arakawa and Hackman were regular donors to the local humane society and often went out of their way to support the community. One heartwarming tradition involved Arakawa arranging Christmas dinners for the staff at Santa Fe Tails, a gesture that spoke to their kindness.

The tragic deaths of Hackman, 95, and Arakawa, 65, along with Zinna, have left many questions unanswered. The couple was discovered deceased in their Santa Fe home on February 26. Authorities have ruled their deaths suspicious and are piecing together a timeline to determine what may have happened. A space heater was found near Arakawa’s body in the bathroom, while Hackman was located in the mudroom. Both displayed signs of having been deceased for over a week before they were found.

Former homicide detective Ted Williams suggested that the dogs’ behavior could offer some clues, noting that animals often act defensively if an intruder is present. However, no signs of foul play or defensive actions by the dogs have been detected so far.

Padilla, deeply affected by the loss, expressed his belief that Arakawa would never intentionally put her animals in harm’s way. “There’s no way that dog [Zinna] was left up on purpose or without a reason,” he said. “It just breaks my heart. Zinna was always by Betsy’s side—they were inseparable.”

The Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Department continues to investigate, working backwards from the autopsy results to build a timeline. Sheriff Adan Mendoza acknowledged the complexity of the case, describing the couple’s reclusive lifestyle as another factor complicating the investigation.

For now, the mystery surrounding the deaths of Gene Hackman, Betsy Arakawa, and their beloved dog Zinna remains unsolved, leaving friends, family, and fans searching for answers.