In the high desert air of Santa Fe, a grim discovery was made. A dog, named Zinna, was found dead in a crate in a bathroom closet. The cause of death? Dehydration and starvation. This was revealed in a report from the state Department of Agriculture’s veterinary lab. The dog's body showed signs of partial mummification, a result of the dry climate at an elevation of nearly 7, 200 feet (2, 200 meters). The report noted that the dog’s stomach was mostly empty, with only small amounts of hair and bile. There was no evidence of infectious disease, trauma, or poisoning. This tragic event unfolded in the same home where actor Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Hackman were found deceased.

The couple had three dogs. Zinna was one of them. The other two dogs survived. Gene Hackman, in the advanced stages of Alzheimer’s, was found in the home’s entryway. His wife, Betsy, was found in a bathroom. Their bodies, like Zinna’s, showed signs of decomposition and mummification. Betsy Hackman died from a rare, rodent-borne disease called hantavirus pulmonary syndrome. Gene Hackman passed away about a week later due to heart disease with complications from Alzheimer’s.

The Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office is still investigating. They are trying to piece together the timeline of events using cellphones collected at the home and last contacts made. The case remains active until they have that information. The investigation is not just about the couple's deaths but also about understanding the circumstances surrounding Zinna's tragic fate.

Zinna was more than just a pet. She was a companion to Betsy Hackman. Joey Padilla, owner of the Santa Fe Tails pet care facility, described Zinna as an incredible companion. Zinna was a returned shelter dog who found a loving home with the Hackmans. Betsy Hackman, born in Hawaii, had a unique life. She studied as a concert pianist and attended the University of Southern California. She met Gene Hackman in the mid-1980s while working at a California gym. Gene Hackman, a Hollywood icon, won two Oscars during his career. He starred in films like The French Connection, Hoosiers, and Superman. The couple led a private life after moving to Santa Fe decades ago. Their estate representative has sought to block the public release of autopsy and investigative reports related to their deaths, citing privacy concerns. A state district judge will decide on that request.

The tragic fate of Zinna raises questions about pet care and the responsibilities that come with it. It also highlights the importance of understanding the signs of dehydration and starvation in pets. This is a reminder that pets rely on their owners for survival. They cannot speak up when they are in distress. It is up to the owners to ensure their well-being.

BETSY HACKMAN

The Mystery of Zinna: A Dog's Tragic Fate

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