On the recordFebruary 16, 2023
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.…
