Dog Trainer Speaks Out on Fate of Gene Hackman’s Pups After House Tragedy

It left behind three dogs who endured days of confusion and loneliness. Now, the fate of the two surviving dogs has been revealed by their longtime trainer.

Bear, a German Shepherd, and Nikita, an Akita-Shepherd mix, were rescued from Hackman’s Santa Fe home after the couple was found deceased inside.

Their third dog, Zinna, a 12-year-old Australian Kelpie mix, was not so lucky. She died in her crate, unable to escape after a medical procedure.

Dogs Were Separated and Sent to New Homes

Trainer Joey Padilla, owner of Santa Fe Tails, had been caring for Bear and Nikita since the discovery. In a statement shared with the Daily Mail, he confirmed the dogs have now been rehomed, but to separate families.

“One of the dogs has gone to a home outside New Mexico, and the other was placed locally,” Padilla said, though he did not disclose the exact locations to protect the dogs’ privacy.

“We went through stringent efforts to ensure the best homes were found.”

A Difficult Chapter Ends for the Dogs

Padilla had a close relationship with the Hackmans, who were regular clients at his training and daycare business.

He described the couple as devoted pet parents who even hired an animal chiropractor for regular checkups and supported his other business ventures.

In his statement, Padilla added, “It is with great joy… we have successfully found homes for Bear and Nikita. The dogs have already begun settling into their new lives.”

He also thanked the public for their support, asking people to continue wishing the dogs well as they heal from the traumatic ordeal.

While the separation is bittersweet, both dogs are now safe, loved, and starting fresh, just as their late owners would have wanted.

Our team may have used AI to assist in the creation of this content, which has been reviewed by our editors.