A loyal dog was found next to his deceased owner’s body on Wednesday, authorities in Lewis County, New York said.
39-year-old Cody Johnson went missing for at least four days before he was found by a volunteer near a camping spot on Wednesday.
Johnson’s beloved pitbull Afton was by his side and refused to let deputies approach him.
Sheriff Mike Carpinelli said Johnson likely died from the cold.
“I think it’s in a way a little comforting knowing he wasn’t alone,” the sheriff said.
“The dog that’d been with him for quite a while was his companion and stayed with him for all those days and evenings.”
Afton is currently with a family friend and will be turned over to his owner’s family members who are on their way to New York from North Carolina.
