Kaya, the German Shepherd who inspired the PAWS Act, was honored on her last Southwest flight. Sweet Service Dog flew more than 250 times to help congress lobby her handlers and pass the historic PAWS Act.
After being diagnosed with incurable cancer, Kaya takes the final flight to where she will be laid to rest.
When Cole Lyle first left the Marines, he found himself struggling with symptoms of PTSD. Not only that, he has no trouble facing the deaths of friends and veterans who have died by suicide. Cole, like so many other soldiers, did not see relief after traditional treatments.
But everything changed in 2014 when Kaya entered Cole’s life. After learning that the VA was not willing to provide service animals for veterans with PTSD, Cole purchased Kaya from a breeder and paid her out-of-pocket for her specialized training.
Fortunately, Cole discovered that he had a friend who specializes in training dogs for veterans with PTSD, and he offered to train Kaya at a great price.
“Service dogs are specially trained to do certain things, such as wake someone up from a nightmare and help with anxiety attacks. Temperament, specific training, and the cost of the dog trainer are all factors to consider when valuing a service dog. The average cost is probably closer to $20,000,” says Cole.
Kaya’s companionship changed everything, and Cole finally felt relief from his symptoms. He feels incredibly lucky and wants to help other veterans struggling with PTSD get service dogs. So, motivated by his own experience and with Kaya by his side, Cole persistently pursued the passage of the PAWS Act. Starting in 2015, the couple flew more than 250 times to corridor for the cause.
Thanks to the work of Kaya and Cole, the PAWS Act (also known as the Veterans Therapy PAWS Act) was finally signed in August 2021. Essentially, the PAWS Act requires the Department of Veterans Affairs. The United States Army Corps (VA) provides grants to organizations that train service dogs and then match them with veterans.
The PAWS Act also amends previous laws to only allow service dogs for veterans with reduced mobility. Veterans can now receive lifesaving service animals for post-deployment mental health conditions, such as post-traumatic stress disorder.
According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, an average of 20 veterans die by suicide every day.
“Kaya’s greatest legacy was — and always will be — the veterans who reached out and told me she inspired them to get their service dog, and if not,” Cole said. , they’ll kill themselves,” Cole said.
Now that Kaya has crossed the rainbow, Cole is completely heartbroken. But he takes comfort in knowing that his Sweet Shepherd has helped make a tremendous impact on the lives of so many veterans struggling with PTSD.
On his last flight, The pilot, also a veteran, announced over the plane’s loudspeaker that this flight was Kaya’s last. You can watch a video of Kaya being honored during her final flight below.
Rest in peace, sweet girl.
