Low-cost carrier Southwest Airlines has published a touching tribute to service dog and veterans' mental health ambassador Kaya following her final flight on February 2.

The eight-year-old German Shepherd passed away on February 4 after a short battle with cancer, though not before one final flight home with her handler, Marine veteran Cole Lyle.

One last journey

The pair departed Washington DC (DCA) for Kaya’s home state of Texas early in the afternoon, touching down at Dallas Love Field (DAL) just after 17:00 CST. The journey was the last of over 252 Southwest Airlines flights Kaya and Lyle had taken together through their campaign to support veterans struggling with mental health conditions.

Before departure, the captain honored Kaya with a moving speech, noting his "solemn honor" to take Kaya on her last flight home. The clip was later shared by Southwest Airlines on social media, going viral on TikTok and Twitter, and bringing millions to tears.

The airline noted in a post on TikTok:

“We were honored to fly our loyal friend and hero, Kaya, 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 her owner, Cole, for their many years of service.”

Upon arrival at Dallas, Kaya was helped onto a cart to take her out of the airport, where she was met with applause from passengers across the terminal.

Lyle documented Kaya’s last few days on social media, sharing memories, images, and clips and giving thanks to the Southwest crew and airport employees who helped them through their journey home.

Continued advocacy

Kaya was initially adopted by Lyle three years after his return from Afghanistan. After an unsuccessful medication trial, Lyle began looking into alternative treatments, finding Kaya in the process.

In 2016, Kaya joined Lyle on stage as he addressed US Congress on behalf of the non-partisan veteran’s advocacy group Mission Roll Call. The two continued to lobby and campaign for veteran's mental health awareness together, later inspiring the Puppies Assisting Wounded Servicemembers (PAWS) passed by President Joe Biden in 2021.

Tributes for Kaya have flooded in, with politicians, charities, and public figures among those sending their sympathies.

In an interview with Fox News, Lyle expressed his gratitude towards Southwest Airlines and his alma mater Texas A&M University, who welcomed Kaya upon her return to Texas for ensuring her final days were “comfortable and full of love.”

"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. Kaya’s legacy lives on. Never Give In," Lyle added.

What are your thoughts on Kaya’s story? Are you a veteran that travels with Southwest Airlines? Let us know in the comments.

Sources: NPR, GPB, Fox News