Blind dog helps musher make his way along Iditarod route

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

The 5-year-old, 50-pound sled dog named Laura has a cornea disease called pannus, Anchorage television station KTUU reported (http://is.gd/fcj09V ).

Maixner first noticed the dainty-faced Alaskan Husky's eyes were becoming cloudy about two years ago. Veterinarians told him she is "fairly blind," and she often seems confused, Maixner said.

"Sometimes I have to throw snacks on the ground extra hard so she can hear where it falls," he said.

But Laura is comfortable running in every spot on Maixner's sled team — except lead. When the pediatric dentist puts her in front, she relies on the other dog sharing the lead position to guide the way.

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