Military working dogs perform essential, life-saving duties in combat, and often form a deep and lasting bond with the humans they serve with.
When these hero dogs retire, they deserve a loving home with someone who really cares for them. Thankfully, there are organizations dedicated to reuniting military dogs with their fellow soldiers.
Recently, one retired military dog was reunited with his former handler, with whom he served 9 months in Iraq.
US Army Staff Sergeant Payton was the handler of a military working dog named Yyacob, a Belgian Malinois. The two completed the Patrol Explosive Detection Dog – Enhanced Course, an elite 60-day training program for explosive detection dogs.
Payton and Yyacob then served a 9-month tour in Iraq, going on patrols, scanning vehicles, and checking people entering the base for ammunition or explosives. During their work together, the two formed a deep bond.
Though they were doing serious, life-saving work, Payton described Yyacob as a “big baby” who loved to cuddle and hog the bed.
In 2022, Payton was reassigned to Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland in Texas, which sadly meant leaving Yyacob. Payton was heartbroken by the separation. But recently, he learned about the American Humane’s military dog reunification program, and applied hoping to be reunited with his beloved Yyacob.
Thanks to the program, Yyacob and Ssg. Payton were finally reunited. Yyacob, who retired after 7 years of military service, will enjoy life living with his old friend. American Humane paid all the expenses for the reunion.
“We are grateful for the opportunity to bring military working dog Yyacob home and reunite him with his best friend,” Dr. Robin Ganzert, President and CEO of American Humane, said in a press release. “American Humane is honored to help give this courageous canine the comfortable retirement he deserves after seven years of distinguished service to our country.”
Next year, Payton will be stationed in Italy and Yyacob will join him. Payton says he is looking forward to giving Yyacob a relaxing retirement. In addition to funding their reunion, American Humane will provide free veterinary care for the rest of the dog’s life.
What a heartwarming reunion! We’re so glad Yyacob is getting the loving retirement he deserves with his best friend. Please share this story to honor our military heroes—human and canine alike! ❤️🫡
