On November 25th, retired military canine “Yyacob” and his former handler, US Army Sergeant Payton May, staged a heartwarming reunion in San Antonio, Texas. The duo had forged an extraordinary friendship during their nine months of service in Iraq, where they conducted patrols, inspected vehicles, and carried out crucial missions such as searching for weapons and explosives.
Eight-year-old “Yyacob” is a Belgian Malinois trained from a young age to be a proficient explosives detection and patrol dog. He dedicated almost his entire life to the military, becoming well-known for his contributions to the safety of military personnel and for protecting civilians, including the President of the United States, during critical operations.
The reunion was made possible by the American Humane organization, whose President and CEO Robin Ganzert expressed, “We are honored to bring ‘Yyacob’ home to reunite him with his best friend and ensure that after years of service to the country, he can enjoy a well-deserved retirement.”
The genuine friendship between Sergeant May and “Yyacob” began when they underwent an elite patrol explosives detection dog reinforcement course together. This rigorous 60-day training program aimed to equip both handler and canine with advanced skills in off-leash explosive detection, allowing the military dog to operate independently within the range of a football field from the handler.
During their service in Iraq, the pair worked side by side day and night, strengthening their bond. “Yyacob” displayed exceptional bravery during missions, yet off-duty, he behaved like a “big baby,” always seeking comfort by May’s side, with the two even sharing a single bed on many occasions.
In 2022, Sergeant May was deployed to Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland in Texas for a new assignment, necessitating a separation from his beloved military dog as “Yyacob” had to remain at Fort Drum in New York. This separation left May feeling heartbroken.
When “Yyacob” officially retired, the opportunity for a reunion with his old comrade arose. May promptly reached out to the American Humane organization, a nonprofit dedicated to advocating for animal welfare, including military dogs. The organization had recently facilitated a reunion between one of May’s colleagues and his service dog, prompting May to seek their assistance.
Upon learning of the situation, the American Humane organization intervened actively to ensure a smooth reunion, covering all transportation costs and committing to provide “Yyacob” with lifelong medical care.
This reunion marks the beginning of a new journey for “Yyacob” and Sergeant May. In 2025, they will embark on a new mission to Italy, where May will continue his duties. He eagerly looks forward to offering “Yyacob” the peaceful and relaxing retirement life he deserves.