Kyle Smith, a U.S. Air Force member, demonstrated his unwavering devotion and affection for his dog Bodza during the latter’s final moments. The two had formed an unbreakable bond over years of shared experiences, and Smith couldn’t bear to be away from his loyal German Shepherd in his final hours. The display of loyalty and love between them was truly heartwarming.
The lifelong partnership between Kyle Smith and Bodza, two U.S. Air Force veterans, is a story of love, loyalty, and sacrifice. Bodza, an 11-year-old German Shepherd, had served as an explosive detection dog, saving countless lives during operations in Iraq, Kyrgyzstan, and Kuwait. Smith and Bodza had endured 189 challenging days on a security mission in Kyrgyzstan, and their friendship blossomed rapidly and endured over the years.
Although Bodza was a dedicated and selfless dog, he also had a playful and goofy side, which Smith cherished. Bodza’s retirement approached, and Smith didn’t hesitate to offer him a loving home. Bodza became Smith’s constant companion, following him everywhere and laying his head down beside Smith’s bed each night, bidding him good night.
In the summer of 2016, Bodza was diagnosed with degenerative myelopathy, an incurable disease that affects a dog’s spinal cord. Smith witnessed the heartbreaking decline of Bodza’s health, rendering him unable to stand or walk without assistance. Despite Smith’s love and care, Bodza’s quality of life was diminishing, and Smith faced the difficult decision of putting his beloved companion to rest. With a heavy heart, Smith and his coworkers took Bodza to the Fort Bliss Vet Clinic in El Paso, Texas, where they created a comfortable environment for Bodza’s final moments to be filled with peace and love.
Honoring Bodza’s Memory
To honor Bodza’s memory, Smith created a Facebook post that went viral, sharing his gratitude for Bodza and the lessons he learned from him. The post garnered worldwide attention, and people from all over the world sent their condolences and shared their own stories of beloved pets.
Smith also started the Bodza Memorial Foundation, which aims to provide financial assistance to retired military working dogs and their handlers. The foundation not only honors Bodza’s memory but also serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by military working dogs and their handlers.
FAQs
1. What was Bodza’s role in the U.S. Air Force?
Bodza served as an explosive detection dog, saving countless lives during operations in Iraq, Kyrgyzstan, and Kuwait.
2. What is degenerative myelopathy?
Degenerative myelopathy is an incurable disease that affects a dog’s spinal cord, causing them to lose their hind limbs’ functionality.
3. What is the Bodza Memorial Foundation?
The Bodza Memorial Foundation provides financial assistance to retired military working dogs and their handlers, honoring Bodza’s memory and reminding people of the sacrifices made by military working dogs and their handlers.
Kyle Smith held his faithful companion, Bodza, as he passed away, offering comfort until the very end. While feeling overwhelmed with emotions, Smith shared that Bodza seemed to find solace in the love and care he received, despite the sadness surrounding his passing. Smith found solace in the support of his coworkers, who stood by him and offered comforting words and gestures during his time of grief. Smith honored Bodza’s memory by having him cremated and keeping his ashes at home with cherished mementos. Bodza’s passing exemplified the immeasurable love and loyalty that a dog can offer, reminding Smith of the valuable life lessons he learned through their exceptional bond. Bodza served in the U.S. Air Force for over a decade as an explosive detection dog, but ultimately suffered from degenerative myelopathy, a progressive and incurable disease affecting his spinal cord. Smith and Bodza met in 2012 during their time in the U.S. Air Force, and Bodza was put to sleep at the Fort Bliss Vet Clinic in El Paso, Texas.
