Gene Hackman's dogs helped responders when searching for his body in a final act of loyalty as they led paramedics to his body. Bear, a German Shepherd, and Nikita, an Akita-shepherd mix, persistently barked at the emergency crew before darting away.
Initially, the team believed the dogs were seeking play, but they soon realised the pets were guiding them to the mudroom where Hackman's body was located. Paramedics had previously discovered Betsy's body but had spent half an hour fruitlessly searching the house until the dogs intervened. Santa Fe Fire Chief Brian Moya told USA Today: “They realised (the dog) was trying to say, ‘Hey, come over here! Come over here!'”
Hackman was found in the mudroom situated at the far end of the house. A back door was left open, allowing the dogs free access.
Meanwhile, the dogs are currently in a state of “limbo” and cannot be rehomed until the couple's wills have been processed. They are temporarily housed at a dog boarding facility in Santa Fe, New Mexico, following their rescue from the couple's home, reports the Mirror.
Their future remains uncertain until it is established what provisions – if any – Hackman made for the dogs after his passing. It is yet to be decided whether any of Hackman's family will adopt the dogs, or if they will find a new home with another family.
New harrowing details have emerged about the grim scene where the dogs were found, casting a shadow over earlier reports. Authorities had initially described two of the dogs as “healthy”, but it was later discovered that a third dog, Zinna, an aged Australian Kelpie mix, was found “mummified” in a bathroom closet near Betsy's remains.
While Bear was found beside Betsy and promptly secured, Nikita was seen darting around, visibly unsettled by the chaos. In a heart-wrenching development, officials had to set a door trap overnight for Nikita, who loyally stayed by her late owners, after luring her with treats and gentle persuasion proved futile.
Both canines were eventually transported to a boarding facility, where they are currently housed.
The esteemed actor Hackman and his wife Betsy, a 65 year old classical pianist, were found deceased in separate areas of their Santa Fe residence a fortnight ago. Betsy succumbed to a rare respiratory condition approximately a week prior to her husband.
Given Hackman's battle with Alzheimer's disease, there is speculation he may not have realised his wife had passed away.
