Puppy found on dead owner’s lap
According to the SAPS, Gower had been dead for at least two weeks
LYDENBURG – A puppy still sitting on the lap of his owner, even after the latter had been dead for several weeks, was a sad sight for residents of Uitkyk Plantasie’s Sappi Forest.
Mr John Henry Gower, (58) was found dead in his recliner on November 24. According to the SAPS, Gower had been dead for at least two weeks. He had been living alone since 2000 and was divorced.
His wife died in 2013 and his 14-year-old son lives in White River with his grandmother.Members of the Phoenix security squad apparently found his body while doing a routine check on the electricity meter.
“When we arrived, we found the doors closed and sat outside waiting for the owner.”
After several hours of waiting, with the area manager’s permission, they opened a window and found Gower’s body with the puppy still sitting on the owner’s lap. Police were immediately informed.
According to the deceased’s brother,Mr Louis Gower, John had to serve in the army in his younger years, which completely changed him. He was dependent on his siblings for financial assistance since he was unemployed.
“My brother couldn’t fit into society due to his experiences at war, which is why as a family, we made sure he was well taken care of.”
Louis last spoke to his brother on his birthday on November 11 when he couldn’t find his ID and it was impossible for him to collect his money. “I did my part to assist him to get an ID but he never got back to me to tell me if he had received it.”
When asked what he would miss most about John, he replied, “I cannot choose just one special thing since there’s just too much that I will miss.”
Louis said he would collect his brother’s puppy and take care of it, and John would be laid to rest in White River on December 1.
