US Army Staff Sgt. Payton May and his military dog, Yyacob, had a special bond that began during their deployment in Iraq. Yyacob, an experienced explosives detection dog, helped May adjust to his new environment and provided companionship during the lonely times of deployment. The pair shared a traditional Thanksgiving meal together in Iraq before May was reassigned to Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland in Texas, leaving Yyacob behind.
The separation was difficult for both May and Yyacob, as they had formed a strong bond during their time together. Yyacob, stationed in Fort Drum, New York, developed separation anxiety and could not be paired with another handler. May, who comes from a family with a history of military service, was the first in his family to work with a military dog. He decided to become a K-9 handler after considering leaving the Army in 2019.
After completing the Military Working Dog Handler Course, May was paired with Yyacob, a 4-year-old Belgian Malinois. Despite Yyacob’s initial anxious behavior, the pair quickly bonded and worked together to support high-ranking US government officials. They deployed to Iraq for Operation Inherent Resolve and returned to the US together the following spring.
When May was reassigned to San Antonio, Yyacob could not be paired with another handler due to his separation anxiety. May began advocating for Yyacob’s retirement so that he could provide a loving home for his former partner. With the help of American Humane, Yyacob was officially retired in October, and arrangements were made for him to be reunited with May in San Antonio.
The reunion between May and Yyacob was emotional and heartwarming, with Yyacob quickly recognizing his former handler. The pair will now celebrate their first Thanksgiving in a civilian home, with American Humane pledging to provide free veterinary care for Yyacob for the rest of his life. May, who now works as a Military Working Dog Handler Course instructor, plans to have Yyacob by his side as he deploys to Italy in April.
The bond between May and Yyacob serves as a reminder of the special relationship between military handlers and their canine partners. The reunion is a testament to the loyalty and companionship that these working dogs provide to their handlers, both on and off the battlefield. The pair’s story is a heartwarming example of the enduring bond between a soldier and his K-9 partner, and their journey together is far from over.
