The recent passing of acting legend Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, has left fans shocked and saddened, not just for the couple but also for their beloved dogs. As details about their deaths emerged, one question tugged at many hearts: why did their dog Zinna die while two other dogs lived?

Betsy Arakawa, 91, sadly passed away on February 11 due to a flu-like infection linked to rat droppings, while Hackman, 95, died just a week later. Experts suggest that his advanced Alzheimer’s disease may have clouded his awareness of his wife’s passing, potentially contributing to his own decline. Tragically, the couple's bodies remained undiscovered until February 26.

Among the heartbreaking scenes was Zinna, a 12-year-old Australian Kelpie, found lifeless by Betsy’s side. Described as a loyal companion, Zinna was known for being inseparable from Betsy, making their final moments together even more poignant. Investigators have disclosed that Zinna had been confined to a crate following a veterinary procedure, which may have contributed to her demise as no food was found in her stomach.

According to Sheriff Adan Mendoza of Santa Fe County, CCTV footage shows Betsy retrieving Zinna from the vet on February 9 while wearing a face mask to protect herself amid a health crisis. She returned home but did not respond to emails later that day, which aligns with the timeline of her passing.

While a necropsy is pending, Dr. Erin Phipps, New Mexico State Public Health Veterinarian, believes Zinna likely succumbed to dehydration and starvation. There were concerns regarding hantavirus exposure, the same virus responsible for Betsy’s illness; however, Dr. Phipps reassured that dogs typically do not contract the virus.

Meanwhile, the couple’s other dogs—a German Shepherd named Bear and another dog named Nikita—were found alive and are currently receiving care. Their survival juxtaposed against the tragedy of Zinna's passing highlights the varying resilience found in pets during challenging times.

At a press conference on March 7, Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Heather Jarrell officially confirmed the causes of death. She stated that Hackman’s demise was primarily due to hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, with Alzheimer’s being a significant contributor. In contrast, Betsy’s death was labeled ‘natural’ with no evidence of trauma.

In the wake of Hackman’s death, the entertainment industry mourned the loss of a true icon. During the 67th Annual Academy Awards, Morgan Freeman poignantly honored his late friend, saying, “This week a community lost a giant, and I lost a dear friend, Gene Hackman.” As fans grieved, one social media user beautifully remarked, “Zinna has crossed the Rainbow Bridge,” reflecting the deep connections forged between animals and their humans.

This unfortunate sequence of events serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the profound bonds we share with our pets.