A simultaneously sad and feel-good story emerged out of Dallas’ Love Field after it was reported that a service dog that had recorded over 250 flights n Southwest Airlines was taking her final trip to the skies.
Kaya, a German Shepherd with long-time handler Cole Lyle, landed at the regional Dallas airport for the last time after, as the pilot on the flight announced, she’d be headed home with an untreatable form of cancer.
WFAA reported on the heart-warming relationship of Kaya, a support animal in the service of providing therapy to military veterans struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder.
As the pilot explained, Kaya was trained to help veterans with their mental health. And, even more notably, she was the inspiration for the PAWS Act, which created a program to provide canine training for veterans dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder.
She was a valued passenger for Southwest, traveling on their planes with Cole, a Marine Corps veteran, more than 250 times.
“We have the solemn honor of taking her on what will be her last flight,” the pilot said, “as she goes home to rest where she was born and first met Cole.”
After the pilot’s announcement, the flight gave Kaya a round of applause, and she perked up from her blanket.
Take a watch below as the Marine Corps vet deplanes for the final time with his companion.
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
WFAA reported that Kaya passed away just a few days later. As could be seen in the video, she had to be carried off the plane as a result of the loss of mobility, and was already at the late stages of her terminal condition.
Lyle update his social media followers with the sad news that his canine friend had crossed over the Rainbow Bridge.
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
“Rest in Peace, Kaya. Cheers to a life well-lived and loved,” the Twitter post began. “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.””
The Rainbow Bridge is a moving poem describing the loss of a beloved pet and the hopeful reunion that will one day take place. It’s author is unknown but it’s suspected that the final version is a compilation of various pieces from the 1980s and 1990s.
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together…
"*" indicates required fields