With the official start of spring still nearly a month away, now’s a great time to shake off those winter doldrums and run your hound around town.

This Saturday (Feb. 27), LSU School of Veterinary Medicine offers a chance to jumpstart your fitness routine with its 23rd annual Great Rover Road Run.

Besides engendering a little canine competition and camaraderie, the purpose of the event is to raise awareness about pet obesity and funds for student scholarships and other programs.

This year’s event begins at 8:15 a.m. with a 5K race for competitive runners—without dogs—that starts at the vet school and winds through the LSU campus. The 1-mile fun run for dogs and their owners follows down Skip Bertman Drive at 9:30 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 6-foot, non-retractable leash.

Awards will be presented to the first-, second- and third-place age-division winners in both the 5K run and one-mile fun run. Water and refreshments will be available as well as a “doggie bag” and T-shirt for all pre-registered participants. Canine competitions after the race will include a costume contest and best trick. There will be a $5 entry fee for non-race participants.

Proceeds benefit the Student Chapter of the American Veterinary Medical Association. The advanced registration is $20 for either the 5K run or the Fun Run, or $30 for both races. On race day, those fees are $25 and $35 respectively. Pre-registered runners can pick up their race packets in the lobby of the School of Veterinary Medicine from Feb. 22-27 from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

For additional race informational or registration forms, click here.

Creature feature

If you’re ready for a new running buddy, these adoptable dogs from Friends of the Animal Baton Rouge would be proud to accompany their new owners to the race.

Finn, a 30-pound collie mix, is about 9 months old. Finn is already comfortable with other dogs and even with cats. Although he’s initially timid around new people, Finn will blossom with the love and security of a forever family. For more information, email Finn’s foster at [email protected] or call/text 205-9330.

Gypsy is 1- to 2-year-old Catahoula mix. Gentle, highly alert and super sweet, this dappled girl currently weighs a painfully thin 34 pounds, and she’s hungry for treats, as well as for some human love and attention. Gypsy is affectionate and patient, and you couldn’t find a dog more deserving of a second chance at happiness.

Orion is a border collie/terrier mix puppy. Bouncy, bubbly and true to his breeds, he’s loaded with playful puppy energy. Orion gets along well with the other dogs and cats in his foster home. Like all puppies, this busy, bright-eyed boy will need regular exercise, lots of attention and help learning everything about living in a home. For more information, call/text Orion’s fosters at 288-4970.

Leda is a 3-month-old hound mix. She is playful, inquisitive, and positively irresistible! If you have the love, time and devotion needed to invite a new puppy into your life, contact her foster at [email protected].

Brody is a 10-month-old boxer mix. It’s hard to believe he’s the same weak and scrawny waif who left the shelter just last month. Ten pounds is not the only thing he’s gained in foster care: Brody’s gained strength and endurance, so he will need regular exercise to be happy and healthy. Brody is clever and cooperative, and—best of all— housetrained! Brody is also highly sociable, affectionate and ready to bond with a loving owner. For more information, contact Brody’s foster at [email protected].

Scotch is a 1-year-old bundle of fun. This terrier mix loves to hang out with people and is housetrained and great with other dogs. Scotch is looking for an active, human companion who enjoys sharing long walks, trips to the dog park and games of fetch. Scotch would probably even enjoy obedience or agility class with his new owner.