GRRR challenges canines and their companions to become more than armchair athletes

Still holding a torch for the winter Olympics? Maybe the thrill is gone from Vancouver, but the competition is heating just up at LSU School of Veterinary Medicine. This Saturday, the student veterinary association hosts the Doggie Olympics and Hill’s LSU SVM 17th Annual Great Rover Road Run, which consists of a 5K road run and a one-mile fun run/walk with Rover.

The event aims to draw attention to the country’s canine obesity epidemic. “So many dogs are overweight, and the owners don’t realize it,” says event co-chair Kaitlynn Candies, a second year vet student.

In clinics, LSU vet students evaluate pets for obesity based on five criteria:

• ribs and other skeletal structures are difficult to feel under thick fat cover;

• fat hangs from the abdomen;

• tail base is thickened;

• the animal doesn’t have an apparent waist when viewed from the side or above; and,

• the animal is markedly broadened when viewed from above.

Dogs who have any combination of these symptoms may be at increased risk for reduced life expectancy, diabetes, joint problems, muscle tears, hip dysplasia, tracheal collapse, difficulty breathing, anesthesia complications during surgery and skin and heart disorders.

“Besides promoting awareness of the dog obesity and proper nutrition,” Candies says, “GRRR is a fun way to exercise humans and dogs together.” The 5K race for competitive runners—without dogs—begins at 8 a.m. at the vet school and winds through the LSU campus. The one-mile fun run for dogs and their owners down Skip Bertman Drive follows at 9:15 a.m.

For the safety of canine and human runners, neither female dogs in heat nor aggressive animals are allowed on campus. Dog participants must have proof of current vaccination and be controlled on a six-foot, non-retractable leash.

Awards will be given to the first-, second- and third-place age-division winners in both the 5K run and one-mile fun run. After the race, water and refreshments will be provided for all participants.

Then, the games begin including fastest tail wag, highest jumper, best trick, owner look-a-like and, of course, best costume. Vet students also offer a low-cost dog wash and microchipping booth.

Proceeds benefit the Student Chapter of the American Veterinary Medical Association. The race-day registration is $20 either the 5K run or the Fun Run, or $25 for both races.

For more information, call 578-9900.

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