Retired Military Dog Reunites with Former Handler and Finds a Home for Thanksgiving

Mar. 15, 2025

Army Staff Sergeant Payton May with retired military working dog Yyacob.Photo:Chris Saucedo/Getty

Chris Saucedo/Getty

A recently retired military dog was reunited with his longtime handler after two and a half years apart—just in time for Thanksgiving.

Eight-year-old Belgian Malinois Yyacob reunited with his former handler and U.S. Army Staff Sergeant, Payton May, in San Antonio, Texas, on Monday, Nov. 25, animal welfare organization American Humane shared in a press release with PEOPLE. This reunion was the first time the old friends had seen each other since their separation in 2022

The pair served nearly two years together, including a nine-month deployment in Iraq, before parting ways when Sgt. May was reassigned to Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland in Texas, leaving Yyacob at Fort Drum in New York.

Yyacob served in the U.S. Army for seven years, acting as a patrol dog and detecting explosives to protect civilians, service members, and even former presidents.

Army Staff Sergeant Payton May reuniting with his former canine partner, Yyacob.Chris Saucedo/Getty

Early in his military career, Yyacob completed the Patrol Explosive Detection Dog — Enhanced Course, an advanced 60-day program for police patrol and explosive detection dogs that teaches them to work effectively off-leash. The course is taught only three times a year with ten military working dog teams.

When Sgt. May heard that Yyacob had retired from military service, he contacted American Humane for help reuniting with his old canine partner. The organization assisted Sgt. May’s friend, fellow K-9 handler Isaac, in reuniting with his retired canine partner earlier in 2024, so Sgt. May was hopeful the nonprofit could help him, too. American Humane agreed to assist Sgt. May, and arranged and paid for Yyacob’s trip to reach his former handler.

Yyacob the retired military working dog.Chris Saucedo/Getty

“We are grateful for the opportunity to bring military working dog Yyacob home and reunite him with his best friend,” said Dr. Robin Ganzert, President and CEO of American Humane. “American Humane is honored to help give this courageous canine the comfortable retirement he deserves after seven years of distinguished service to our country.”

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Army Staff Sergeant Payton May and Yyacob the Belgian Malinois.Chris Saucedo/Getty

American Humane will give Yyacob free veterinary care for the foreseeable future.

source: people.com