Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa's Estates Share Update on Couple's Surviving Dogs: 'Both Are Safe' and 'Healthy'

The estates of Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa Hackman, have shared an update on the couple's surviving dogs after the actor and pianist were found dead in their Santa Fe home.

On Feb. 26, Gene, 95, and Betsy, 65, were found in their Santa Fe residence, along with a deceased dog named Zinna and two living dogs, Bear and Nikita. Authorities previously shared that Betsy died from hantavirus, a flu-like virus linked to rodent droppings, around one week before Gene, whose cause of death was attributed to severe heart disease, high blood pressure, and advanced Alzheimer's disease.

Zinna, a kelpie mix, was found in her crate inside the home. Zinna had been recovering from a "major surgery" in January and was on crate rest, Robert Gruda, owner of the Gruda Veterinary Hospital, told USA Today.

According to a personal representative for the couple's estates, in the weeks following Gene and Betsy's death, "numerous concerned" individuals reached out about what would happen to the surviving dogs, Bear and Nikita. In response, the estates shared a statement regarding the well-being of the late couple’s beloved pets.

"In response to numerous concerned inquiries about the Hackman's dogs, both Bear and Nikita have been placed in appropriate homes," a personal representative for the estates said in a statement obtained by PEOPLE. "Both are safe, healthy, and adjusting to their new environments."

PEOPLE previously reported that Bear, a German shepherd rescue, and Nikita were transported to a local pet daycare facility and cared for by a family friend before they were rehomed.

Related: Gene Hackman and Wife Betsy's Wills Revealed: What Happens to Their Estate?

Bear and Nikita made headlines in the days following Gene and Betsy's death for their roles in helping first responders find the couple's bodies.

On Feb. 26, paramedics with the Santa Fe Fire Department entered the couple's property through the front door and saw Betsy lying on the nearby bathroom floor, Fire Chief Brian Moya told USA Today.

Moya added that after 30 minutes of searching, first responders had not located Gene's body. Things changed when the first responders started paying attention to Bear and Nikita, who continuously ran up to them, barking and running off in a different direction during the search.

"They realized (the dog) was trying to say, 'Hey, come over here! Come over here!'" Moya said. The first responders followed one of the dogs to a mudroom at the back of the home, where they discovered Gene's body on the floor.

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Santa Fe County animal control said that Zinna likely died due to dehydration and starvation, the Associated Press reported on March 14, citing the New Mexico agency.

The agency also noted that Zinna had no evidence of infectious disease, trauma, or poisoning, and the rescue canine's stomach was empty except for small amounts of hair and bile, per AP.

Related: Gene Hackman and Wife's Deceased Dog Was Misidentified by Police: Reports

According to USA Today, staff at Gruda Veterinary Hospital grew concerned after Betsy didn't come in to pick up some specialized dog food and medication for Zinna on Feb. 11. That was also the last day Betsy was seen alive.

Gruda added that Betsy was "devoted" to her pooches. "She was consistent, predictable. We knew something was wrong when she didn't pick up the food on time," he said, adding of Betsy, "She was an excellent dog owner, excellent caretaker to those dogs. She really doted on them."

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