Zena, Wilmington police’s beloved therapy dog, died in a head-on car crash in Tewksbury Tuesday morning, and both drivers, including Zena’s handler, were treated for injuries at a hospital, the department said.
Wilmington police issued a statement of “sorrow and regret” over the death of the 3-year-old Bernedoodle who joined the department at 8 weeks old.
With her “calming and gentle presence,” Zena quickly became a warm and furry regular at schools, senior centers, and Fourth of July festivities, Chief Brian Pupa said. Zena even had her own Instagram page.
“We are heartbroken today because Zena was a beloved member of our Wilmington Police family, and a beloved member of our community,” Pupa said in the statement. “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.”
Advertisement
Zena was riding with her handler, the police department’s clinician, Samantha Cavanaugh, in a Toyota Camry on Whipple Road when another driver in a Mazda 3 allegedly crossed the double yellow line and hit the Toyota head on, Tewksbury police said.
The Mazda driver, a 26-year-old Westminster woman, will be summoned for negligent operation of a motor vehicle and a marked lanes violation, Tewksbury Police Chief Ryan Columbus said. The crash remains under investigation.
Cavanaugh and the Mazda driver were taken to hospitals for treatment of injuries, which were not disclosed, the statement said.
Zena also was transported by ambulance. She went to Bulger Animal Hospital in Lawrence where she died.
Advertisement
Nero’s Law, a state provision, provides for traumatically injured police dogs to be transported in ambulances.
Cavanaugh and Zena made up the Wilmington Police Health & Recovery Unit, interacting and building relationships with residents being treated for behavioral and mental health, or substance use and development health issues.
“Their work has impacted Wilmington residents and families on a daily basis,” Wilmington police said.
Tonya Alanez can be reached at tonya.alanez@globe.com. Follow her @talanez.