The School of Veterinary Medicine will host the 17th annual Great Rover Road Run on Sunday, March 6, in an effort to spread awareness about animal obesity.The event consists of a one-mile “fun run” for dogs and their owners and a 5K through the University campus. Last year there were more than 300 participants raising $4,500 to benefit the Student Chapter of the American Veterinary Medical Association.Kaitlynn Candies, second-year vet student and co-chair of the run, said the school is hopeful it will raise more than last year’s run to fund scholarships, student activities and projects that may be eliminated by budget cuts.Candies said animal obesity presents considerable risks to animals, much like it does in humans — diabetes, arthritis and skin and heart disease. She said obesity deters pets from moving around and may shorten their life expectancy.Candies said in 1970 less than 5 percent of pets were overweight. That number has increased to more than 35 percent of adult pets and more than 50 percent of pets ages 7 and up.Vet School Public Relations Coordinator Ginger Guttner said the one-mile run also encourages pet owners to exercise.  Following the run are canine competitions for best-dressed pet, highest jump and best trick, according to the school’s Web site.Candies said the most fascinating trick she saw last year was a “springy little dog that could jump from a standing leap onto the top of the Vet School sign.” Second-year vet student Mark Buchert will co-chair the run with Candies. He said the event it is a way to give to the school. Candies said she runs the lakes and levee with her English springer spaniel, Louie.She said vet students volunteer and participate in the run. Buchert placed second overall in the one-mile run with a friend’s dog and fourth overall in the 5K last year.Participants may pre-register or register the day of the event on the school’s Web site.—————Contact The Daily Reveille’s news staff at [email protected]