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Musher Kelly Maixner, of Big Lake, Alaska, and an auction winner who rode in his sled, drive down Fourth Avenue during the ceremonial start of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race in Anchorage, Alaska, on Saturday, March 7, 2015. The competitive start will be held March 9, 2015, in Fairbanks, Alaska. (AP Photo/Mark Thiessen)

Blind Alaskan Husky helps lead Iditarod musher to finish line in Nome

RUBY, Alaska – A blind dog is helping musher Kelly Maixner find the Iditarod finish line in western Alaska.

Anchorage television station KTUU reports (http://is.gd/fcj09V ) Laura, a 5-year-old, 50-pound sled dog, has a cornea disease called pannus. Maixner say she is comfortable running in every spot on the team except lead.

At times, the pediatric dentist will put her at the front, and she relies on the other dog sharing the lead position to guide the way.

He says sometimes Laura gets confused. And when it’s treat time, he has to throw them extra hard on the ground so she can hear where they land.

The Alaskan Husky is a favourite of her handlers. Maixner says she’s not only a reliable runner, but a cheerleader for the team making its way to Nome.

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Information from: KTUU-TV, http://www.ktuu.com

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