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Sled dogs are the driving force that help mushers get to their destination or complete a race, and near Fairfield on Wednesday, three special sled dogs are helping students achieve educational goals.

As part of an Iditarod-themed week, Golden Ridge teacher Jenny Laisnez brought the Mountain Mushers and their three sled dogs to school.

The students will read about Pixie, who directed her team away from dangerously thin ice on a frozen lake.

Laisnez said, "Having a real-life hero like Pixie in the classrooms brings stories and lessons the kids will read to life."

But Ms. Laisnez wanted her class to meet the Alaskan Husky first, saying, "I didn't want to ruin it for them or them to have any preconceived ideas about what she'll be like."

Golden Ridge School is just one stop for the Montana Mushers as they travel the country teaching students about the importance of reading.

Mountain Musher owner Lela Schlitz said, "I love teaching reading. I love sharing the ideas of reading with children and I love the dogs so it's like it's a perfect fit."

And the method of teaching is sparking an interest among students.

Student Brooke Anderson said, "The stories and stuff - it tells a lot about the dogs and you're like, those dogs must've really been cool and then they come into the classroom and they are very cool."

But the special theme is more than just fun and games.

Students learn mapping and graphing and weights and measures, and at the end of the week they'll have their own "I-KID-arod" where they be quizzed on different subjects as they race through their own course.

The Montana Mushers will be in Cascade on Friday introducing the dogs to more school children.