Missing Dog Found Guarding His Owner’s Dead Body
A white pit bull with black and white harness who was reported missing on 13th October along with its owner, Cody Johnson has been found guarding his owner’s dead body.
The news comes after the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office announced on Facebook that they are actively in search of the dog and his owner, who was last seen on Saturday, October 12, 2024.
WWNY reports that the 36-year-old man was discovered deceased in town of Watson, Lewis County, New York, on October 15 with the loyal pit bull, Afton, steadfastly guarding his side.
Reports suggest that Johnson may have succumbed to the cold weather condition. However, the exact cause of death is still under investigation.
Sheriff Mike Carpinelli expressed his admiration for the dog who has acted as a loyal service dog for years.
“I think it’s in a way a little comforting knowing he wasn’t alone out there,” Sheriff Mike Carpinelli said. “The dog that’d been with him for quite a while. His companion, and the loyalty he had with Cody. He stayed with him all those days and those evenings.”
“I was shown the photographs of the scene where it was,” Carpinelli added, “and just hearing that the animal was with the owner just goes to show the loyalty that dogs have with owners, the loyalty to it.”
Sheriff Mike Carpinelli tells WWNY that Afton initially refused to leave Johnson’s side but was eventually calmed down by officers who offered him water and biscuits.
WWNY also shares that the dog is now in the care of a family friend and will eventually be reunited with Johnson’s family from North Carolina.
Donna Payne Foley, who identified herself as Johnson’s mother in the comment section of the Lewis County Sheriff Office’s Facebook post, expressed heartfelt gratitude to everyone who participated in the search for her son.
“I am Cody Johnson’s mother. I would like to personally thank each and every person for all their time and efforts in the search for my son,” she wrote. “I will always be eternally grateful for the time that everyone had given. It certainly was not the outcome that everyone had hoped and prayed for but as a family, we can all start the healing process.”
Many community members have also expressed deep sorrow for the dog, who remained by Johnson’s side. “This is just so unbelievably sad. My heart cries for his dog, and his loved ones. They made a great couple. I am glad his dog stayed by him and was not harmed. Oh Cody, Cody, Cody. When you passed away, you also took a part of your dog’s heart. When you reunite again, his Cody-shaped hole shall be filled and renewed. Sending love to Cody in Heaven, his loved ones, and love to his faithful dog,” one user wrote.
Another added, “What a tragic ending to his search. His poor dog must miss him terribly.”
