Dog harnesses, dog leads and other canine equipment may have been essential purchases for one US school, which has hit the headlines after adopting a sled dog.

Siberian husky Kenai has proved a hit among pupils at McKinley Alternative School, according to the Chicago Tribune.

Teacher Donna Walters took the 11-month old animal in after finding it at a rescue shelter in Alaska

She was first attracted to the idea of having the breed around after including the Iditarod sled dog race in her teaching programme.

It is hoped Kenai will act as a calming influence for students and help to build team working and responsibility skills.

Pupil Ruthie Martin told the news provider: "He’s like one of the students. He knows when it’s time to work. He’s just so cute and cuddly."

Meanwhile, teams of working sled dogs are set to be in action at the 2010 Iditarod – which kicks off on March 6th – and February’s Yukon Quest.