The 8-year-old German Shepherd Kaya, who became an ambassador for veteran service dogs, died last week. She stood alongside her owner to lobby for the PAWS Act signed into law by Biden in 2021.
"Throughout her career, Kaya flew with us over 250 times to help establish the PAWS Act, which united veterans with service dogs," the airline captioned the video."We are so grateful to be a part of her legacy, and we thank her and her owner, Cole, for their many years of service."
Lyle also documented the journey — from Kaya's diagnosis, to the plane ride and eventual return to Dallas — on social media. "I certainly had no idea the extent to which it would resonate with people, and that people would want to be supportive," he said."I really want to acknowledge the people that took really good care of her, and made her feel comfortable and wanted to honor her in her last few days for all of her work, and everything she's done for me, and for veterans across the country."Miss you already, babygirl. My heart is broken and I’m numb without you.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
‘Solemn honor’: Service dog honored during last Southwest flight after more than 250 tripsGerman Shepherd Kaya was the main inspiration for the Puppies Assisting Wounded Servicemembers (PAWS) Act.
Read more »
‘Solemn honor’: Service dog honored during last Southwest flight after more than 250 tripsKaya traveled to help lobby for the PAWS Act, which allows for service dogs to be united with veterans in need.
Read more »
'Paws for Health' pet therapy program returns to St. Mary's HospitalThe Carondelet Heath Network's pet therapy program 'Paws for Health' is returning to the St. Mary's Hospital after an extended period of inactivity due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Read more »
Why service dog Kaya’s final flight on Dallas’ Southwest Airlines went viralKaya was greeted by cheering Southwest Airlines crew members and passengers when she deboarded her flight home to Dallas on Feb. 2.
Read more »
State of the Union 2023: Biden recycles rejected Inflation Reduction Act health proposalsPresident Joe Biden recycled healthcare priorities that were either rejected or excluded from Democrat's newly enacted prescription drug law in his State of the Union Speech, as he sought to outline Democratic accomplishments and contrast with Republican's healthcare visions.
Read more »