Retired Military Dog Reunites with Handler for Thanksgiving After 2 Years Apart
Learn about the bond between Belgian Malinois dog Yyacob and the U.S. Army Sergeant
Families and friends aren’t the only ones reuniting for Thanksgiving this week. One U.S. sergeant has a lot to be thankful for now that he’s back with his former canine colleague after years apart—and just in time for the holiday. Keep reading to find out more about the retired dog Yyacob and his happy reunion with his former military handler.
Who is the military dog Yyacob?
Yyacob is an 8-year-old Belgian Malinois dog who has spent much of his life serving both the government and citizens. According to American Humane, the pup had worked as an explosives detection and patrol dog for almost seven years. During that time, he was tasked with protecting service members, civilians and even U.S. presidents. (Read more about another retired Belgian Malinois military pup that found his forever home).
His impressive resume is likely due to not only his personality and temperament but his breed, as well. Belgian Malinois are often a top choice for the military because of their high energy, speed, loyalty and agility, shares the U.S. Department of Defense. They’re also excellent sniffers, easily trainable and have a great work ethic—all necessary for such an intense job.
A look at the bond between Yyacob and his handler
Because of the rigorous training and intense career, it’s common for military dogs to become close with their handlers. For Yyacob, his relationship with U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Payton May really blossomed when the duo completed the elite Patrol Explosive Detection Dog-Enhanced Course. This training program takes place over 60 days and teaches the dogs the skills they need to succeed in their new role, including working effectively off-leash for long distances.
From there, their bond only strengthened when the duo was deployed in Iraq for nine months. They were together day and night, and even shared a room and twin-sized bed. As American Humane reports, May described Yyacob as a “big baby” due to his love of cuddling in bed.
Their dangerous line of work also meant the two of them forged a close relationship as they navigated their day-to-day duties. Together, their responsibilities included making patrols, scanning vehicles and checking for ammunition or explosives whenever someone entered the base.
But after serving together for nearly two years, the pair was forced to go their separate ways. In 2022 May was reassigned to Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland in Texas and Yyacob had to stay behind at Fort Drum Air Force Base.
Naturally, the end of their working relationship was heartbreaking!
The reunion between Yyacob and May
After almost two and a half years apart, May received promising news. His former canine colleague and companion would be retiring and looking for his forever home. Once May learned about his friend Isaac receiving help from American Humane to be reunited with his former military dog in the spring, he reached out to them too.
The organization was more than happy to help make the reunion a reality! They not only arranged and paid for the trip for Yyacob to join his two-legged partner once again, but offered to provide free veterinary care for the rest of the dog’s life.
The timing could not be more perfect, with May and Yyacob reuniting on Monday. Now the pair will get to enjoy many pets, cuddles and kisses for a truly special Thanksgiving.
This will actually be their second time spending the holiday together (the first being in Iraq), reports KENS 5. But the dog’s retirement means they have many more celebrations to look forward to together!
Next year, the pair will be off to Italy together (where May will next be stationed), but Yyacob is guaranteed to get a much-deserved break. His former handler is already excited to give the canine veteran a relaxing retirement.
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