WASHINGTON, D.C., November 26, 2024 — On Monday, American Humane reunited a retired military working dog, Yyacob, with his former U.S. Army Staff Sergeant and handler, Payton, in San Antonio, Texas. Yyacob and Payton served together for 9 months in Iraq and their responsibilities included patrols, scanning vehicles, and checking everyone entering the base for ammunition or explosives.
Yyacob is an eight-year-old Belgian Malinois and served as an explosives detection and patrol dog who served for nearly seven years, protecting his fellow service members, civilians, and even U.S. presidents.
“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.”
As a team, Ssg. Payton and Yyacob completed the elite Patrol Explosive Detection Dog – Enhanced Course, an advanced program for police patrol and explosive detection dogs that teaches them to work effectively off-leash, going as far as a football field away from their handler. The sophisticated 60-day course was only taught three times a year with space for ten military working dog teams.
Their time overseas strengthened their already tight bond. Ssg. Payton and Yyacob were together 24/7, sharing a room and sleeping together in a twin-sized bed. Ssg. Payton describes Yyacob as a “big baby” who loved to cuddle and hog the bed.
Payton and Yyacob were separated in 2022 when Payton was reassigned to Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland in Texas. Payton was heartbroken to have to leave Yyacob at Fort Drum Air Force Base.
Ssg. Payton was thrilled to learn that Yyacob was retiring and immediately reached out to American Humane. He learned about American Humane’s work reuniting MWDs with former handlers when the organization helped his dear friend Isaac, a fellow K-9 handler, reunite with his military dog in May.
Next year, the pair will embark on a new adventure in Italy, where Ssg. Payton will be stationed next, and Payton is looking forward to giving Yyacob a relaxing retirement. In addition to covering all transportation costs of the reunification, American Humane will provide free veterinary care for the rest of Yyacob’s life.
Visit the Military Dog Reunification page to learn more and to support this program and to see photos of the touching reunion, please visit: https://dam.gettyimages.com/assignments/american-humane-reunites-army-sergeant-with-dog.
