Body of missing man found guarded by beloved dog: ‘He wasn’t alone’

LEWIS COUNTY, New York (WWNY/Gray News) – Authorities in New York say a missing man’s dog never left his side.

When the body of 39-year-old Cody Johnson was found Wednesday, his pit bull was by his side, according to the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office.

Johnson’s dog, Afton, acted as his service animal and refused to leave his late owner’s side.

Lewis County Sheriff Mike Carpinelli said the four-day search for Johnson ended when a volunteer found his body near a campsite they knew.

It is believed that he died as a result of the cold.

“I think in a way it’s kind of comforting to know that he wasn’t alone. The dog that had been with him for quite a while was his companion and stayed with him all those days and nights,” Carpinelli said.

According to Carpinelli, Afton initially refused to allow searchers to approach Johnson, but relented after being given cookies and water.

The dog is now being cared for by a family friend and will soon be released to family members coming from North Carolina.

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