Honoring Kaya’s Legacy - Kaya’s K9s

You’ve probably seen the video of a Southwest pilot honoring Kaya, my German Shepherd service dog, on her last flight. As I write this, the video has been seen over 40 million times across social channels. Having no idea the video would resonate with so many, I was simply preparing to deal with the loss of my best friend and give her the most loving, comfortable final few days I could.

The truth is, the public attention doesn’t even scratch the surface of the impact she had. Kaya routinely spent nights with other struggling veterans, none of which have taken their lives. I’ve had hundreds of veterans reach out in years past saying she inspired them to get their dogs and that they would’ve killed themselves if they hadn’t. Kaya didn’t just help change federal policy for veterans, she had a very real, personal impact on an incalculable number of people.

Since she passed, I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about her life and legacy.

Personally, Kaya kept me tethered to this world. Her power is such that, even after death, I would never dishonor her work by making an irreversible decision now. But in advocating for the legislation she inspired, both at home and abroad, I found a sense of purpose helping other veterans dealing with the issues I did.

Her surgery to remove the growth cost me thousands of dollars. Fortunately for me, I have enough in savings that this wasn't an issue.

As service dogs become more prevalent in our fight against veteran suicide, tens of thousands of veterans will experience the grief I feel now. Unfortunately, none of them are likely to receive the same level of support, financial or otherwise. It has been an extraordinary testament to Kaya and her life, but to more permanently honor her memory, I am creating a charitable fund in Kaya’s name to offset costs of veterinary care when veterans experience a financial hardship related to veterinary costs for their service dogs. There is no universal program for this issue. Grief is the price we pay for love. That doesn’t mean you should experience that grief under financial stress.

The funds here will be used in 2 ways, listed in priority order, and I will post updates with what the funds go to, specifically:

1. Start-up costs for Kaya's charity. This will include legal fees, website/logo design and acquisition, and initial marketing.

2. Help writing and editing a book about Kaya's life, the proceeds of which will go to Kaya's charity.

I want other veterans to experience the unconditional love and sense of purpose that Kaya gave to me. In my darkest moments, she made me feel protected, loved, and safe. I won’t miss the nightmares, but I will miss the late-night puppy kisses.

Kaya, I hope you know just how loved you were, and how you really became “America’s Best Friend.”

Until we meet again, sweet girl.