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Bomb-sniffing dog will get life-saving surgery, thanks to the generosity of strangers

Kay, taking it easy at the Donahue home (Facebook)

Kay is an American hero.

The 8-year-old military working dog served two tours of duty in Iraq and another in Kandahar, Afghanistan, sniffing out IEDs (improvised explosive devices).

“We’d lead the way and clear paths for foot soldiers,” Kay’s handler-turned-owner, Specialist Brandon Donahue told CBS Denver.

"They were everywhere, you couldn’t really go anywhere without finding one. It was estimated he saved thousands of lives," he told 7News Denver.

Kay now lives with Donahue and his wife in Brighton, Colorado.

But for Kay to enjoy his retirement from active duty, first the Donahues need to save his life.

Kay, a pit bull-Labrador mix who was rescued from an animal shelter as a puppy, has a tumour in his heart which, if not treated, could kill him in a few months.

"[The tumour is] causing the pericardial sac to fill up with fluid and put pressure on his heart, which, basically in the long run could send him into cardiac arrest which could kill him," Donahue explained.

The cost of the much-needed surgery: $6,000.

So Donahue set up a GoFundMe.com campaign for his companion.

Within days, generous strangers from all over the country had donated more than $9,000. All additional funds will cover Kay’s medical expenses and care after the surgery.

"We’re going to do everything we can to save him. He didn’t give up on me, I’m not gonna give up on him," Donahue said.

"I am so thankful for each and every one of you from the bottom of my heart- thank you for your help in saving my Kay Kay Monster. I am in total awe of the generosity of perfect strangers to help such a wonderful dog named Kay," Donahue’s wife, Brandi, wrote on the fundraising page.

Now that the money is in place, the surgery should happen within the next couple of weeks.

"I just spoke to Kay’s cardiologist and the wheels are in motion for the surgical team to prepare for the heart surgery in the coming week or two!! I’ll keep everyone posted as to the actual date of surgery," Donahue wrote on Kay’s Facebook page on Friday.

If all goes well in the operating room, Kay is expected to live for five or six more years.

"It means a lot to me and I know it means a lot to him to be able to just live like a normal dog for a little bit," Donahue said.