Heartwarming Reunion: Retired Military Dog Reunited with Former Army Handler After Years of Seperation

Quick Smiles:

• Retired military dog Yyacob reunites with his handler just before Thanksgiving.
• Yyacob served as an explosives detection dog for almost seven years.
• A dedicated animal welfare organization facilitated the joyful reunion between Yyacob and Ssg. May.

In a delightful reunion over Thanksgiving, a retired military canine, Yyacob, was joyfully reunited with his former handler, U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Payton May. The pair had not seen each other for years until they met again in San Antonio, Texas.

Yyacob, an 8-year-old Belgian Malinois, dedicated nearly seven years to serving as an explosives detection and patrol dog. His service included protecting fellow soldiers, civilians, and even U.S. presidents. The organization that facilitated the reunion expressed gratitude for the opportunity to bring Yyacob home and reunite him with his best friend. This organization, renowned for its commitment to animal welfare, played a pivotal role in ensuring Yyacob’s comfortable retirement.

They are honored to help give this courageous canine the retirement he deserves after his years of distinguished service. May and Yyacob were a formidable team, having completed the elite Patrol Explosive Detection Dog—Enhanced Course.

This advanced program trained them to work effectively off-leash, even at distances as far as a football field. Despite an initial impression of Yyacob as “nuts,” May soon grew fond of the tireless dog. Their bond only strengthened during their nine-month service in Iraq, where they were inseparable. Sharing a room and a twin-sized bed, May fondly recalls Yyacob as a “big baby” who loved to cuddle.

However, their partnership was interrupted in 2020 when Yyacob was reassigned to Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland in Texas, leaving May heartbroken. Upon learning about Yyacob’s retirement, May reached out to the organization. He was familiar with their work, having witnessed their assistance in reuniting his friend Isaac with his military dog.

Looking ahead, Yyacob is set to accompany May on his next deployment to Italy. May eagerly anticipates providing his loyal companion a relaxing retirement. In addition to covering all transportation costs for the reunion, the organization has pledged to provide free veterinary care for Yyacob throughout his life. This reunion is a testament to the enduring bond between military handlers and their canine partners.

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