Kaya was no ordinary dog. She was truly one of a kind — one that will forever remain more than just an animal.
Although I never met Kaya, watching videos and reading about her gave me profound appreciation for her legacy and all she has accomplished. Rarely has any dog left me feeling like this.
Service dogs can indeed save lives, and this extraordinary girl was a true example of that.
As her owner, a combat veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, Cole Lyle from Dallas, Texas, once said: “Kaya’s life and legacy deserve to be shared and honored” – I bring you the story of this beautiful soul, her amazing life, and her last flight home that brought everyone to tears.
An Emotional Last Flight Home
“We have a special guest on today’s flight”, said the captain of Southwest Air Flight on the intercom, gaining the attention of everyone on the plane.
“Kaya has flown on Southwest over 250 times out of 320 flights she has been on. 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. She goes home to rest where she was born and first met Cole.”
A video capturing this moment, posted by the Airline on their official TikTok account, quickly went viral, having been viewed, to this date, more than 24 million times.
This beautiful dog has truly captured the hearts of people all over the world.
“Kaya has been with her handler, Cole, since 2014. She was specifically trained to help veterans cope with mental health issues,” the captain continued with Kaya’s story.
Her whole life was truly remarkable. She did not only help her owner, Cole, but she was also the inspiration for the PAWS act, which is why she traveled so much.
“On behalf of Southwest Airlines, your two veterans up front — we thank both Kaya and Cole, a Marine Corps veteran, for their service,” the captain concluded, encouraging passengers to show some love to this beautiful pup.
A tremendous applause and cheers filled the aircraft. And, as if she knew it was for her, Kaya slowly lifted her head and looked up, almost as if she was saying: “Is this clapping for me?”
On his Instagram account, Cole wrote alongside the video, thanking everyone for their support:
“When we landed, they had told the entire terminal about Kaya, so when they put her on a cart and escorted her off the plane, we walked out to a roaring crowd. Everyone telling her thank you. Everyone clapping.”
It’s truly remarkable to see how one dog can make such an impact, and it definitely makes you appreciate those furry creatures even more.
A Furry Ambassador For Veterans
This beautiful German Shepherd girl was an ambassador for service dogs and veterans across the U.S., and alongside her owner, Cole, she did so much for the entire community.
Shortly after returning from his deployment in Afghanistan, Cole was diagnosed with PTSD. Unfortunately, the treatment was not working for him. “I was really at a very low point in my life, and almost became a veteran suicide statistic,” he said.
The life he had known had been ripped away. He was truly at the lowest point — having lost all purpose in life and faith in himself.
Thankfully, he decided to adopt Kaya in 2014: “She was an extremely smart dog, even from the very beginning… and always very intuitive.” He had Kaya specifically trained to help him with his PTSD symptoms, such as nightmares and anxiety attacks.
Kaya was exactly what he needed. With her by his side, Cole was able to get his life back on track. Medication and therapy did not help, but this furry girl did. She truly saved his life and inspired him to save others.
Kaya inspired him to start a nonpartisan movement and advocacy group for veterans, called Mission Roll Call, and to speak before Congress, advocating for service dogs for all veterans in need.
Of course, his furry companion was always right beside him. She became a symbol of the movement, and lobbied for historic legislation known as Puppies Assisting Wounded Servicemembers (or the PAWS act).
“Kaya’s life was characterized by service,” described Cole, and he was completely right. In 2021, president Joe Biden signed a bill into law, establishing a five-year program to provide service dogs and training to veterans with PTSD.
Rest Well, Sweet Girl
Kaya died on February 4, 2023, in Dallas, Texas, her home state, after spending her last hours with Cole in their favorite hanging spot. Cancer was, in the end, too much for this sweet girl.
Cole wrote on Twitter: “In short, Kaya suffered in silence. Maybe she, like so many of the veterans she helped, thought her condition was normal and just learned to live with it.”
He continued: “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.”
Throughout her career, she has helped so many veterans, and I have no doubt that her legacy will continue to help many in the future. She was truly a special puppy.
“Her greatest legacy is — and always will be — the other veterans who were inspired to get their own service dogs and confessed they would’ve taken their lives had they not done so.”
Many have posted tributes to Kaya on social media, including several politicians. Recently, Cole wrote that: “Even after her death, Kaya is still building bridges and creating relationships.”
Her legacy lives on.
Rest in peace, sweet girl. Thank you for everything!
