During his time in the United States Air Force, Sergeant Kyle Smith formed an unbreakable bond with his loyal K-9 partner, Bodza, a German Shepherd. Bodza began his service as a bomb detection dog in 2006, dedicating his life to saving others by sniffing out explosives. The two worked side by side until 2012, forging a strong friendship along the way.
“I loved working with him because he taught me so much—especially patience as a young handler. He showed me that this job was about more than just myself,” Smith shared.
Throughout the years, they accomplished many missions together. When the time came for Bodza to retire, Sergeant Smith didn’t hesitate—he immediately adopted his devoted companion. “I brought him home that very same day,” he recalled.
See Also: Retired Police Dog Weeps After Being Reunited with Her Trainer After Years Apart
At home, Bodza’s loyalty only grew stronger. “He followed me everywhere,” Smith said. “Every night, he would rest his head beside my bed as if to say goodnight.”
Bodza retired in the summer of 2016, but just a few months later, in July, he was diagnosed with degenerative myelopathy—an incurable disease.
“His back legs became too weak, and he could barely stand, let alone walk,” Smith explained. “Even simple tasks like using the restroom became incredibly difficult for him.”
Reflecting on their time together, Smith expressed deep admiration for his beloved companion. “I will never forget his loyalty,” he said. “He was more selfless than any human I’ve ever known. He gave everything and asked for nothing in return—always with a smile. I miss him every single day.”
