• Gene Hackman's two surviving dogs, Bear and Nikita, are reported safe and adjusting well after the couple’s sudden deaths.
• The deceased dog, Zinna, was initially misidentified by authorities as a German shepherd.
• No significant signs of foul play or gas leaks have been indicated as the investigation unfolds.
• The couple’s bodies were discovered in their Santa Fe home, leading to ongoing inquiries regarding their cause of death.
• Care for the surviving pets is being managed by local dog care provider, Joey Padilla.

The tragic deaths of actor Gene Hackman, 95, and his wife Betsy Arakawa, 65, have led to an ongoing investigation that uncovered details regarding their two surviving dogs and the mishandling of information surrounding a deceased pet. Following the couple's discovery in their Santa Fe, New Mexico, home on February 26, investigations revealed that the couple’s surviving dogs, Bear, a German shepherd, and Nikita, a German shepherd mix, are safe and receiving care. Their friend Joey Padilla, who cares for the dogs, confirmed they are adjusting well after the traumatic event.

Padilla also clarified that the deceased dog, named Zinna, a 12-year-old Australian kelpie mix, was found in a crate near Arakawa's body. Initially, authorities misidentified Zinna as a “brown in color German shepherd canine.” This error was later acknowledged by a spokesperson from the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office, admitting that their personnel are not routinely involved with animals, which contributed to the mistake in identification. Padilla described Zinna as a dog that had a unique bond with Arakawa, noting, “She was always attached to Betsy at the hip,” showcasing their deep connection.

Investigators are still piecing together the circumstances surrounding Hackman and Arakawa's deaths. While preliminary tests indicated negative results for carbon monoxide poisoning, a comprehensive utility inspection revealed minimal gas leaks in the home—a factor that investigators determine to be non-lethal. Both bodies exhibited signs of advanced decomposition, suggesting they may have died up to two weeks before the discovery.

Officials are awaiting the results of toxicology tests that could provide clearer insights into the cause of the couple's deaths. Documents detailing the scene described the couple in a severely advanced state of decomposition, indicating that time has elapsed since their passing, and the scenario remains under active investigation by local authorities. Padilla emphasized the importance of allowing the dogs time to heal without further disturbance, as they adjust to their new environment and the changes brought by this unexpected tragedy.

As the community continues to process the loss of the beloved couple, the focus remains on honoring their memory and ensuring the wellbeing of their cherished pets. For more details on this developing story, visit HuffPost, ABC News, and SFGate.