Yyacob reunites with Staff Sergeant Payton May after three years

In a heartwarming reunion, an eight-year-old retired military dog named Yyacob was reunited with his former handler, US Army Staff Sergeant Payton May, after nearly three years apart. The reunion took place just in time for Thanksgiving, serving as a reminder of the strong bond that formed between the two during their time together. The pair had worked side by side, not just as soldier and service dog but as companions who shared a deep personal relationship, sleeping in the same bed every night. Their lives were irrevocably changed when May was reassigned to a different base in Texas while Yyacob was sent to New York, causing a heartbreaking separation that left both struggling with the loss. Throughout the following years, May made consistent efforts to find out information regarding Yyacob's status in the military and his eventual retirement. The military typically retires service dogs after about a decade, but Yyacob was allowed to retire this fall after seven years of service, during which he performed various important duties, including protecting a former president. The reunion was facilitated by American Humane, a nonprofit organization that assists in reconnecting veterans with their service dogs. This Thanksgiving marked a particularly bittersweet moment for May, who was unable to travel home to Mississippi to celebrate with his family. However, Yyacob's return provided a sense of comfort and family for him. Looking ahead, May and Yyacob plan to embark on a new adventure together as May prepares for a station in Italy, where Yyacob will join him as he adjusts to retired life, further solidifying the bond they have built over the years.