A recent Southwest Airlines flight had a very famous passenger, known to her many fans by just one name.
Kaya, a retired military service dog recently diagnosed with terminal cancer, made her final flight from Washington to Dallas on February 2.
She was traveling home and Southwest Airlines was honored to have her onboard.
The captain of Southwest Airlines flight 1154 told passengers Kaya was the inspiration behind the Puppies Assisting Wounded Servicemembers (PAWS) Act, which expands coverage of service dogs for the treatment of PTSD through Veterans Affairs.
Kaya and her handler Cole Lyle flew Southwest Airlines often for business and pleasure. Lyle estimates the pair have taken over 300 flights together.
“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, as she goes home to rest where she was born and where she first met Cole,” said the flight’s captain.
“On behalf of Southwest Airlines, your two veterans upfront - we thank both Kaya and Cole, a Marine Corps veteran, for their service.”
Lyle carried Kaya into the plane, as it was increasingly difficult for her to walk. She spent the flight resting on a blanket.
Kaya passed away two days after coming home.
Lyle said he was “overwhelmed” by the support he received from Southwest Airlines and his alma mater Texas A&M University.
“They made sure her final days were comfortable and full of love,” he said.
“I would also like to thank the millions who have seen and shared her story across the internet, and the thousands — family, friends and complete strangers — who have reached out to support me in this difficult time,” said Lyle.
“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.”