LEWIS COUNTY, New York (WWNY/Gray News) – Authorities in New York say a missing man’s dog never left his side.
According to the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office, when the body of 39-year-old Cody Johnson was found on Wednesday, his pit bull was right next to him.
Johnson’s dog Afton acted as his service animal and refused to leave his deceased owner’s side.
Lewis County Sheriff Mike Carpinelli said the four-day search for Johnson came to an end when a volunteer found his body near a camping spot they were familiar with.
He is believed to have died as a result of the cold.
“I think it’s in a way a little comforting knowing he wasn’t alone. The dog that’d been with him for quite a while was his companion and stayed with him for all those days and evenings,” Carpinelli said.
According to Carpinelli, Afton initially refused to let searchers get close to Johnson, but he relaxed after being given biscuits and water.
The dog is now being taken care of by a family friend and will soon be turned over to family members coming from North Carolina.
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