Dallas, TX – This month, Southwest Airlines transported a dying service dog on her final trip home. The touching announcement by the Southwest Airlines pilot was uploaded to Instagram. The accompanying post explains the solemn occasion for the German shepherd, Kaya, and her owner, Cole T. Lyle, a Marine Corps veteran.

We were honored to fly our loyal friend and hero, @kayalyle , home to rest after a lifetime of hard work. Throughout her career, Kaya flew with us over 250 times to help establish the PAWS Act which united Veterans with service dogs. We are so grateful to be a part of her legacy, and we thank her and owner @ctlyle for their many years of service. ❤️

Kaya had been diagnosed with terminal cancer and was making her final trek home.

Kaya was loaded onto a cart to depart the plane and when she entered the terminal, everyone broke into applause.

On February 4, her heartbroken owner Tweeted:

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.”

Rest easy Kaya.

On Kaya’s trip home, the pilots made special mention of her before we took off – see below.

When we landed, we loaded Kaya onto a cart to take her out, and when we got to the top of the ramp…the entire terminal cheered and clapped for her. If you were one of them: thank you. pic.twitter.com/l11sFtDIUN

— Cole T. Lyle (@ctlyle1) February 3, 2023

Continue reading: “Sweet, Gentle,” Old Man Finally Adopted After 7 Years

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