When Yan went missing in February, Vladimir Davydov made it his life's mission to find his lost pet. Heartbreaking, but this man's quest for his best friend ended when Vladimir passed away of a 'broken heart'. For his "only friend in this life" couldn't be found. For Vladimir, there was no doubt that his pet was kidnapped. According to him, his nine-year-old German Shepherd was stolen from their house's front yard. Vladimir said that he had been distracted when he heard Yan whine outside. Upon arriving at his gate, Vladimir couldn't find his dog anywhere; he only saw a blue car disappearing in the vicinity.

In that moment, Vladmiri whispered a prayer to the heavens: "I ask God, let them give me back my dog."

Alas! The man could never find his friend. In spite of all the late night vigils in -15 °C temperatures, and wanderings on the streets of Bratsk in Siberia, Vladimir finally drew his last breath on April 1, when he died of a heart attack.

After his death, a volunteer, Daria Tatarnikova (who had earlier helped him put out Yan's 'missing' posters) posted the following message on social media:

"Dear members of the group. Our old man has died. The one about whom we worried most of all, Vladimir Davydov. The one whom we helped all together to search for his friend Yan. I think it is our common case - to help with his funeral," reported the Siberian Times.

She said that Vladimir is survived by a sister who lives in Ukraine and asked for donations to find her and let her know of her brother's passing.

Daria further added that all donations will be used to fund a monument that will be dedicated to Vladimir and Yan.

Along with a pledge that the search for Yan will continue.