Kaya, a German Shepherd service dog, who inspired the PAWS Act for veterans, was recognized on her final flight with Southwest Airlines. She had flown over 250 times to assist her handler, Cole Lyle, in lobbying Congress for the groundbreaking PAWS Act. Kaya’s legacy is that she inspired numerous veterans struggling with PTSD to get service dogs, potentially saving them from suicide. After lobbying for the cause for over 250 flights, the PAWS Act was signed in August 2021, requiring the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to provide grants to organizations that train service dogs for veterans with PTSD. Rest in peace, Kaya, your memory will always be remembered as a source of hope and inspiration to many.
