A Massachusetts police department’s 3-year-old comfort dog was killed in a head-on car crash, authorities said.
Her name was Zena and she was a Bernedoodle.
It is with deep sorrow and regret that Wilmington Police announce the death of the department’s therapy dog, Zena, whose calming and gentle presence eased the minds and lightened the hearts of countless residents of all ages,” the said in a news release.
Zena was killed in a motor vehicle crash in Tewksbury Tuesday morning after another driver allegedly crossed the double yellow line and struck Wilmington Police Department Clinician Samantha Cavanaugh’s Toyota Camry. Cavanaugh, Zena’s handler, was also injured and taken by ambulance to a local hospital,” police added.
The department said Zena was rushed to an area animal hospital, where she died.
Zena was transported by ambulance due to , which provides for traumatically injured police dogs to be transported in ambulances,” police said.
Zena joined the department in 2022. At the time, she was just 8 weeks old.
The dog was assigned to Cavanaugh, serving as a comfort animal. The two often visited schools, senior centers, as well as community events.
They also served on the , which helps the department build relationships with people and assists residents with behavioral health, mental health, substance use, and development health issues.
She Zena even had , which is full of photos of her posing for the camera and interacting with the community.
We are heartbroken today because Zena was a beloved member of our Wilmington Police family, and a beloved member of our community,” Chief Brian Pupa said in the release. “For three years, Zena put residents and families at ease even during the toughest of times, and her work will not be forgotten. She served her community well.”
The crash, said police, is under investigation by the Tewksbury Police Department.