An Emotional Reunion of Ssg. May and Hero Military K-9 Yyacob Thanks to American Humane
Click to Skip Ahead
Thanksgiving 2024 may be over, but the bond between U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Payton May and his retired military working dog Yyacob is forever. On Monday, November 26, 2024, American Humane orchestrated a touching reunion in San Antonio, Texas, between Yyacob, an eight-year-old Belgian Malinois, and his former handler, Ssg. May. After two and a half years apart, the duo, who served together in Iraq, were finally back together, just in time for Thanksgiving—something the two of them are beyond grateful for.
Military Background
Staff Sergeant May’s History and Role with the U.S. Army
Ssg. May comes from a proud military lineage: his grandfather served in the National Guard, while his great-uncles were part of the Marine Corps, Air Force, and Navy. Following in their footsteps, Ssg. May enlisted in the U.S. Army at just 18 years old, driven by a desire to deploy overseas and serve his country. Initially assigned to the sniper section as an infantryman, he excelled in his role but soon discovered a new path that would change his military career.
While considering leaving the Army, Ssg. May learned about the K-9 handling program, a position he hadn’t known existed. As a lifelong animal lover who grew up with beloved family dogs, the opportunity to combine his passion for animals with his military service was impossible to resist. Referred to as a “unicorn job” due to its rarity and prestige, he eagerly applied and was thrilled to be accepted. After completing the K-9 handlers course in June 2020, Ssg. May met his prospective partner, Yyacob, marking the beginning of a remarkable partnership.
