Heroic Service Dog takes Final Journey Home after Flying 250+ Southwest Flights – Tears Guaranteed!
In a heartwarming gesture, Southwest Airlines made a dying service dog’s wish come true, taking Kaya the German Shepherd on her last flight. The emotional video, shared by the airline, has since gone viral, leaving not a dry eye in the house. Witness the touching final journey of Kaya, who, alongside her handler, Cole Lyle, bravely battles an untreatable form of cancer. Grab a box of tissues and prepare for an unforgettable story of love and sacrifice.
Kaya, a German Shepherd trained to assist veterans with mental health, touched countless lives and even inspired the PAWS Act, a program providing canine training to veterans struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder. After serving as a loyal passenger on over 250 Southwest flights with her handler, Marine Corps veteran Cole, Kaya was diagnosed with an incurable form of cancer. In a heartwarming tribute, Southwest Airlines gave Kaya the farewell she deserved, taking her on her final flight back home, where she was born and first met Cole. The flight crew and passengers alike honored Kaya with a round of applause, showing appreciation for her devoted service and sacrifice.
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When Kaya, the German Shepherd service dog, arrived in Dallas with her handler, Cole Lyle, Southwest Airlines ensured her comfort by providing a cart to help her with mobility issues in the terminal. However, a few days after her final flight, Kaya passed away, leaving a deep void in the hearts of all those who knew her. Cole took to Twitter to express his sorrow, posting a touching tribute to his beloved companion. Although heartbroken, Cole was comforted by the knowledge that Kaya was no longer in pain, and he thanked her for epitomizing “Semper Fidelis,” the Marine Corps motto, meaning “always faithful.” Kaya’s legacy will live on, inspiring others to serve their country and fellow humans with the same loyalty and dedication.
Rest in Peace, Kaya. Cheers to 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.” pic.twitter.com/uG98dKEj4d
— Cole T. Lyle (@ctlyle1) February 4, 2023
Cole Lyle, a Marine Corps veteran, returned home to North Texas with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after serving in Afghanistan for six years. Suffering from a downward spiral, he tried therapy and medication, which only worsened his symptoms. Desperate for a solution, he discovered the therapeutic value of service dogs, leading him to meet Kaya, a purebred German Shepherd, born between Denton and Fort Worth. Despite her humble origins as the runt of her litter, Kaya had a remarkable ability to help Cole cope with his PTSD. He invested over $10,000 in her training and the results spoke for themselves. In an interview with WFAA, Cole shared how Kaya saved his life, preventing him from becoming a statistic of veteran suicide. Witness the transformative power of canine therapy, as one man’s journey of pain and struggle led him to salvation, thanks to the unwavering companionship of a four-legged friend.
“She was specifically trained to help wake me up from nightmares and stop anxiety attacks and things like that,” he said.
Cole says Kaya saved him from suicide.
“A dog can be a powerful thing to keep you around,” he said. “If you get to that point, you look down at the dog and say, well, I can’t leave the dog. The dog would miss me.”
At his graduation ceremony, Cole was accompanied by Kaya, who had been instrumental in helping him earn his A&M degree.
After moving to Washington, D.C., Cole began advising the U.S. Senate on veterans’ policies and soon discovered the persuasive power of a four-legged lobbyist. Together, he and Kaya worked tirelessly to convince members of both parties in Congress to pass the PAWS Act. Kaya quickly gained popularity in the nation’s capital, where she met and won the hearts of numerous politicians, visited the U.S. Capitol and the White House, and even crossed paths with celebrities and sports stars. However, her charmed and influential life was tragically cut short by a devastating cancer diagnosis.
After undergoing surgery in January to remove a growth, Kaya’s cancer unfortunately metastasized, causing a tumor under her tongue that hindered her eating and balance. Heartbroken by her suffering, Cole made the difficult decision to end Kaya’s life, and he wanted to do so in the comfort of her birthplace, Texas. Hence, the two embarked on their final Southwest Airlines flight, and upon landing in Dallas, they received a heartfelt goodbye from Cole’s family, friends, and fellow veterans. Cole then took Kaya on a final journey to College Station, where they visited all the places they used to go, cherishing every moment they had left together.
On Kaya’s final morning, Texas A&M went above and beyond to give her a comfortable stay, offering her a suite that overlooked Kyle Field and serving her a delicious breakfast of pancakes, eggs, bacon, and sausage. After breakfast, Cole took Kaya to the pond near the Bush School of Government and Public Service, where they spent a couple of hours together, cherishing their final moments. Finally, at the Small Animal Teaching Hospital, Kaya was peacefully put to rest, bringing an end to her struggle with cancer.
“It was really hard waking up without for the first time, but she had a tremendous impact and a tremendous legacy,” Cole said. “And if there’s a little solace, it’s that her story is resonating with so many people and hopefully positively impacting so many veterans.”
