[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 32 (Thursday, February 16, 2023)]
[Senate]
[Page S442]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



                      Remembering Service Dog Kaya

  Mr. TILLIS. Mr. President, as some of my colleagues may know, we 
recently lost Kaya, a very special service dog that was a frequent 
visitor to the Senate.
  Kaya's life was devoted to helping veterans with PTSD, and she 
quickly became an ambassador for veterans and service dogs everywhere.
  A few years ago, I ran into Kaya and her owner, Cole. Actually, I was 
walking down the street and at a street corner when we first met each 
other. As a dog lover myself, I stopped to say hello. After I learned 
about Cole's service history, I invited Cole and Kaya to a meeting in 
my office. At that meeting, I learned something very important--that 
the Department of Veterans Affairs does not cover the cost of service 
animals for veterans with post-traumatic stress, which can cost upwards 
of tens of thousands of dollars.
  From the moment I met Kaya, I knew she was special. She was not just 
a service dog; she was the model of a service dog. She had a gentle 
nature, kind eyes, and a wagging tail. But I could say that about my 
two dogs, Mitch and Theo. I could even say that I am proud of the 
obedience training I have given them. But Kaya is different. She knew 
all the commands my dogs know, but she also knew how to be there for 
Cole without even a single command. And like so many other veterans--
service dogs are not just taught to sit and stay and fetch; they are 
taught to actually see what the veteran is experiencing. They know when 
to go by that veteran's side just to give them a source of calmness. 
They actually know how to wake up a veteran who may be in the middle of 
a nightmare. They know when a veteran or a servicemember who is 
disabled needs something--they can point to it, and they will retrieve 
it. These are extraordinary dogs, so you can understand why it may be 
expensive to get them up to that level.
  So few dogs are like Kaya. She was a special one.
  Cole and I, when we met, discussed approaches we could use to try to 
get funding for service dogs in the VA. It is one of the reasons why it 
culminated in what we call the PAWS for Veterans Therapy Act. I later 
introduced that bill in the Senate. The legislation established a pilot 
program to provide canine training to eligible veterans diagnosed with 
PTSD.
  In addition to Kaya's unwavering devotion that brought comfort and 
support--and dogs like her--to countless veterans, she also educated 
Congress and this country about the role dogs can play in helping 
veterans who are struggling with the invisible wounds of war.
  Because of Kaya's effort--and I guess a little bit from Cole--we were 
able to pass the PAWS for Veterans Therapy Act, and it was signed into 
law in 2021. Now, thanks to Kaya, Cole, and organizations like K9s for 
Warriors, veterans across the country are beginning to benefit from 
service dog programs that have a track record of reducing symptoms 
associated with PTSD.
  But I also have to say we have a lot of work to do. The PAWS Act was 
only the beginning of several steps we need to take to make these 
incredible animals available to more veterans because for every one who 
is being served today, there are dozens who are not. The nearly 17 
veteran suicides this country experiences each and every day makes 
clear that the PAWS Act is only the beginning, it is not the end, and 
this is a step on a very long journey.
  We must work to ensure the Department of Veterans Affairs is 
implementing the PAWS Act as we intended by partnering with service dog 
organizations to connect as many veterans as possible with canine 
training to improve well-being and help veterans thrive. I have made it 
a top priority to do everything possible to combat veteran suicide.
  This legislation is another tool in the toolbox for our men and women 
who have served.
  The passing of Kaya is a true loss. She was sick, and Cole had to 
make the appropriate but heartbreaking decision to release her from her 
misery.
  Cole, thank you for sharing Kaya with us.
  Kaya, thank you for bringing comfort, hope, and healing.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The majority whip.