Watch Kaya, a service dog who inspired PAWS Act, get honored in final flight home
Kaya, a German shepherd service dog who became a nationwide ambassador for veteran's mental health, died earlier this month, but not before having an emotional final flight home.
Kaya was adopted by owner Cole Lyle in 2014, NPR reported, after he joined the Marine Corps and came back from deployment in Afghanistan. Lyle said medication only worsened his PTSD following his deployment, so he found Kaya and instantly connected with her.
Kaya soon became an major influence of Lyle's work with Mission Roll Call, a nonpartisan advocacy group for veterans. Lyle, alongside Kaya, spoke to Congress in 2016 about how beneficial service dogs are for veterans, and the two continue to push for legislation for service animal help.
Eventually, they drafted up the Puppies Assisting Wounded Servicemembers (PAWS) for Veterans Therapy Act, which requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to implement a pilot program of providing service dogs to veterans with PTSD. President Joe Biden signed the bill into law in August 2021.
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An emotional goodbye
Lyle said in a January Twitter post Kaya had a cancerous lump removed and was recovering. But on Feb. 1, Lyle announced that Kaya would be spending her last days on Earth with her owner, and she would be flying back to Texas the following day "so she can rest where she was born."
Lyle and Kaya flew back on Southwest Airlines – the airline the duo had flown on over 250 times – where the pilot of the flight gave an emotional announcement of Kaya's last flight that went viral.
"Sadly Kaya was recently diagnosed with an untreatable cancer, so we have the solemn honor of taking her on what will be her last flight," the pilot said.
Lyle said when the two arrived, "the entire terminal cheered and clapped for her."
"We were honored to fly our loyal friend and retired military K9, Kara," Southwest said in a statement. "Our Team was on the ground to welcome her home and we are so grateful to honor and be part of her legacy."
'Miss you already'
Just two days after the viral flight back home, Lyle announced Kaya had died, celebrating a life "well-lived and loved."
"Miss you already, babygirl. My heart is broken and I’m numb without you. But it’s gladdened because you’re no longer in pain. Thank you for epitomizing 'Semper Fidelis,'" Lyle said.
Several members of Congress, including House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, offered condolences and remembered the iconic dog.
"I remember Kaya. Such a sweet dog. So sorry for your loss and grateful to you both for your work on behalf of veterans," McCarthy said.
Follow Jordan Mendoza on Twitter: @jordan_mendoza5.