Kyle Smith and his dog Bodza, both members of the U.S. Air Force, had been through a lot together – so the man was there for his dying canine and stayed by his side until his very last breath. Bodza, the 11-year-old German shepherd, had worked as an explosive detection dog. He saved human lives by sniffing for bombs in countries like Iraq, Kyrgyzstan and Kuwait. The pooch started working with Smith in 2012, and the two clicked immediately. “I loved working with him because he taught me a lot — patience as a young handler, and how to understand that this job isn’t just about you,” the man told The Dodo. “He followed me around everywhere… and [told] me good night, every night.”
Then, in the summer of 2016 Bodza, was diagnosed with degenerative myelopathy, an incurable disease that affected his spinal cord. Smith could see Bodza was in pain, and chose to end his suffering.
“He had a smile on his face when he was getting put to sleep,” Smith said. “I was holding Bodza as he passed.” Smith’s nine co-workers were there to support him. They let the man break down and sob. “He was selfless — more than any human I’ve ever known… I miss him every day.”
More info: Facebook (h/t: thedodo)
Kyle Smith and his dog Bodza, both members of the U.S. Air Force, had been through a lot together…
So the man was there for his dying canine and stayed by his side until his very last breath
Bodza, the 11-year-old German shepherd, had worked as an explosive detection dog
“I loved working with him because he taught me a lot — patience as a young handler…”
“And how to understand that this job isn’t just about you… He followed me around everywhere”
Then, in the summer of 2016, Bodza, was diagnosed with degenerative myelopathy, an incurable disease
Smith could see Bodza was in pain, and chose to end his suffering
“I was holding Bodza as he passed.” Smith’s nine co-workers were there to support him
“He was selfless — more than any human I’ve ever known… I miss him every day”
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Share on FacebookRest In Peace gorgeous Bodza. Good on Kyle and his coworkers to let down their guard to let the emotions flow. Bodza obviously meant a great deal to Kyle and I have no doubt that Kyle meant a lot to Bodza too ! :)
Note to the editor/headline writer: Smith is an airman, not a soldier, and I'm sure he would appreciate the distinction.
To the editor: Smith is an airman, not a soldier, and I'm sure that he is proud of the distinction.
Airmen haven't been "soldiers" since 1947! Nothing can stop the U. S. Air Force!
Load More Replies...Now that's a real man! So awful to say goodbye to your animals, even we know they're only here for a while. But they will always be with you, in your heart.
I didnt have to put my cat down but I did because she was in a lot of pain I can relate We go through pain with loss but better us then them
I had to put my 12 yr old German shepherd to sleep as well. It was a terrible day for me. I feel his pain. Such a beautiful dog.
And this is worth an article because he is a Soldier? Everybody who loves their pet will do the same thing...
Well this made me cry. Such a beautiful story of love and devotion. God bless them both.
Dog is human mist true friend and some who owns dogs understand better,is hard to lose your best friend
It is painful .. but i wish that they same think to people who dies in Iraq ..
I cried. I've been there. And I understand that real men cry sometimes, like the time when you are losing your best friend.
That's so sad ;( I hate to think about the day when my dog will finally pass, I don't want to let her go... But Smith is a strong man, I bet he managed the loss of his beloved air-force companion as best he could.
"This Soldier Stayed With His Dying Dog Until His Last Breath" I guess we can have a double funeral then.
This is not just story... It is quiet touchable story. Having such a great dog is not for everyone... Accept my condolences.
Incredible dog, Incredible human, brave soldiers both. We owe so much to you.
Beautiful post... the photo of the other soldiers with him holding his dog is really sad.
Rest In Peace gorgeous Bodza. Good on Kyle and his coworkers to let down their guard to let the emotions flow. Bodza obviously meant a great deal to Kyle and I have no doubt that Kyle meant a lot to Bodza too ! :)
Note to the editor/headline writer: Smith is an airman, not a soldier, and I'm sure he would appreciate the distinction.
To the editor: Smith is an airman, not a soldier, and I'm sure that he is proud of the distinction.
Airmen haven't been "soldiers" since 1947! Nothing can stop the U. S. Air Force!
Load More Replies...Now that's a real man! So awful to say goodbye to your animals, even we know they're only here for a while. But they will always be with you, in your heart.
I didnt have to put my cat down but I did because she was in a lot of pain I can relate We go through pain with loss but better us then them
I had to put my 12 yr old German shepherd to sleep as well. It was a terrible day for me. I feel his pain. Such a beautiful dog.
And this is worth an article because he is a Soldier? Everybody who loves their pet will do the same thing...
Well this made me cry. Such a beautiful story of love and devotion. God bless them both.
Dog is human mist true friend and some who owns dogs understand better,is hard to lose your best friend
It is painful .. but i wish that they same think to people who dies in Iraq ..
I cried. I've been there. And I understand that real men cry sometimes, like the time when you are losing your best friend.
That's so sad ;( I hate to think about the day when my dog will finally pass, I don't want to let her go... But Smith is a strong man, I bet he managed the loss of his beloved air-force companion as best he could.
"This Soldier Stayed With His Dying Dog Until His Last Breath" I guess we can have a double funeral then.
This is not just story... It is quiet touchable story. Having such a great dog is not for everyone... Accept my condolences.
Incredible dog, Incredible human, brave soldiers both. We owe so much to you.
Beautiful post... the photo of the other soldiers with him holding his dog is really sad.
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