A New York man was discovered dead after a days-long search, and cops claim his missing dog was right there to keep watch.
Cody Johnson, a 39-year-old Watson resident, was reported missing a day after being last seen at his house at 2:30 a.m. local time on Saturday, Oct. 12. His bulldog was also missing. Police said he made a phone call around 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, and that was the last time anyone heard from him. “Cody may be trekking on foot through the highly wooded area. “New York State Forest Rangers are assisting with the search,” police stated in their initial press release. According to USA Today and CBS affiliate WWNY-TV, Johnson was discovered dead on Wednesday, Oct. 16, but his dog remained alive by his side.
According to Sheriff Carpinelli of the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office, Johnson “was probably anywhere from about 6 to 7 miles away from his home when he was found.” He also stated that the man’s dog was with him “the entire time.”
Investigator James Blackwell told USA Today that a local camp owner discovered Johnson’s body.”I think it’s in a way a little comforting knowing he wasn’t alone out there,” Carpinelli told WWNY-TV.”The dog that had been with him for a long time.His friend and the loyalty he felt for Cody. He remained with him throughout those days and evenings.”
According to the outlet, his dog first refused to leave his owner’s side and is now being looked for by a family friend. The county coroner’s office, which did not immediately reply to PEOPLE’s request for comment, said USA Today that an autopsy had been arranged. Yet, authorities suspect Johnson died as a result of being outside in freezing weather, reported to the outlets.
