In a heartbreaking turn of events, the two surviving dogs of Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman have shown signs of emotional distress after witnessing the deaths of their owners, Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa.
The tragedy, which took place at their New Mexico home, left the dogs in a state of shock, with one of their longtime veterinarians, Dr. Sherry Gaber, noticing significant changes in their behavior during a recent visit.
Hackman’s dogs, Bear, a German Shepherd, and Nikita, an Akita-Shepherd mix, have been struggling to cope with the loss of their beloved owners, but with care, they are beginning to heal.
A Visit That Brought Comfort
Dr. Gaber, a certified animal chiropractor, has been treating the couple’s dogs for years and knew them well.
Upon visiting the dogs in Santa Fe, she immediately sensed a change in their demeanor. “Bear put his head on my chest.
He put his head down and kept it there for the longest time, like he was saying, ‘You have no idea of what I’ve been through,'” she shared.
Bear, known for his independent nature, seemed to find solace in the presence of Gaber, even allowing her to rub his belly—a rare sign of trust and comfort.
Gaber was deeply moved by the moment, explaining how the dogs’ behavior reflected the profound emotional toll the loss had taken on them.
The Emotional Recovery Journey for Bear and Nikita
Both dogs were taken in by Santa Fe Tails, a local doggie daycare, after the discovery of their owners’ bodies in late February.
The caretaker at the facility remarked that it was the first time he had seen Bear allow anyone to rub his belly.
With their owners’ untimely passing, the dogs have faced a difficult transition. Bear and Nikita were both placed in new homes following their traumatic ordeal.
While the separation of the two dogs is sad, it is believed to be for the best, as the dogs have distinct personalities that may benefit from receiving individual attention and care.
The Importance of Proper Care and Rehoming
Despite the sadness of splitting the dogs up, Dr. Gaber and other experts agree that it is the right decision for Bear and Nikita.
Kathy Gonsey, a co-founder of the German Shepherd Dog Rescue of Central New Mexico, explained that this approach would help the dogs form stronger bonds with their new human companions. “They are not people, they have a different outlook on life.
They will make new pack members,” she said. The aim is for the dogs to heal in environments where they can thrive, surrounded by people who can provide them with the love and care they need.
The Compassion of Those Who Helped
Leslie Hackman, Gene’s daughter from a previous marriage, reached out to the nonprofit to ensure that her father’s dogs would be placed in safe, loving homes.
Santa Fe Tails owner, Joey Padilla, who had worked with Hackman’s dogs for years, was among the first to take Bear and Nikita into his care after the tragic discovery.
Padilla, known for his dedication to the dogs, ensured the two would be placed with competent and caring individuals who could give them the attention they deserve.
Dr. Gaber, who had a close relationship with Betsy Arakawa, was deeply moved by the support she received from the family during her visits to treat the dogs.
“Betsy was extremely generous and thoughtful,” Gaber recalled, describing how Arakawa went out of her way to retain her services for the animals.
Gaber was also touched by the bond she shared with the dogs and expressed that she felt Arakawa’s presence around them, even as she returned to Central California.
A New Beginning for Bear and Nikita
While the loss of their owners remains a difficult chapter, Bear and Nikita are being cared for in their new homes, with hope for their healing process.
Their tragic story serves as a reminder of the deep connections between pets and their owners, and how animals, too, experience grief and loss.
As the dogs begin their new lives, it’s clear that the love and care they received from their owners will continue to resonate with them, guiding them through this difficult time.