On September 23, Wilmington Police and the entire community suffered a heartbreaking loss. Zena, the department’s 3-year-old therapy dog, was killed in a violent car crash in Tewksbury when another driver allegedly crossed the center line and struck the vehicle carrying Zena and her handler, Department Clinician Samantha Cavanaugh. Cavanaugh was injured and hospitalized. Despite being rushed to Bulger Animal Hospital by ambulance under Nero’s Law, Zena did not survive.

Zena was not just a dog. She was a public servant who comforted children in schools, brought smiles to seniors, and helped families struggling with mental health, substance use, and trauma. Together with Cavanaugh, she formed the Wilmington Police Health & Recovery Unit, offering healing and hope to countless residents. She was beloved, she was trusted, and she was part of the Wilmington Police family.

Her sudden death demands more than condolences. It demands answers. The crash that took Zena’s life and injured her handler must be thoroughly investigated, with full accountability for any negligence or reckless driving that led to this tragedy. When someone crosses a double yellow line and leaves devastation in their path, the community deserves to know why it happened and what consequences will follow.

We are calling on the Tewksbury Police Department and Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan to conduct a complete and transparent investigation into the crash that killed Zena. If negligence is confirmed, charges must reflect the seriousness of taking a life — even the life of a working animal whose service benefited thousands. We also call on Governor Maura Healey and the Massachusetts Legislature to strengthen protections for therapy and comfort dogs in public service, ensuring they are recognized under Nero’s Law and that drivers who harm them face serious accountability.

Justice for Zena is justice for every family she comforted, every child she calmed, and every community member she served. We cannot bring her back, but we can demand truth, accountability, and stronger protections in her name.

Sign if you believe Massachusetts must investigate Zena’s death fully and deliver justice for Wilmington’s beloved therapy dog.