Editor’s Note: The following series, “Crescent City Canines,” is a week-long series curated by Becca Langman as part of the Tulane University Digital Civic Engagement class, in partnership with ViaNolaVie.
We all know and love the eccentricity New Orleans is so well-known for. From the backyard crawfish boils to the Tuesday parades down Canal just because the sun rose another day to Mardi Gras (need I say more); unconventionality runs through the blood of this city. But this manifests in more than how we get down on the weekends, it also shows itself in how we treat others. Others, of course, being our canine counterparts. Dogs and people have the same rights in New Orleans culture. We dress them up for holidays, parade them around town, and bring them out to eat. They hold a special, integral piece of New Orleans custom. This week, we will celebrate the precious pooches of the Crescent City by spotlighting 5 archived articles. Published in October of 2015, Renee Peck explores New Orleans’ love for dogs through our tradition of not only bringing them along to trick or treat but dressing them up in costumes more extravagant than most two-legged people.
At last, Louisiana has landed a spot at the top of a hit list. And it’s all because we’ve let Halloween go to the dogs.
Yes, it seems that Louisiana is No. 11 in the nation for taking our four-legged friends trick or treating. In costume (of course).
The Howl-o-ween tabulations come courtesy of a survey of 3,000 dog owners by Big Heart Pet Brands. Virginia was No. 1 in doggy trick or treaters. Go figure.
Here in Louisiana, it seems that 44 percent of us dress our dogs in costume for Halloween, and 21 percent take them trick or treating. Another 30 percent greet trick or treaters at the door with Fideaux alongside. So don’t blame me if your toddler comes home with a packet of jerky.
If you want to get in on the trend, and don’t want to recycle Mardi Gras’s canine tutu, here are a couple of last-minute ideas for dog costumes, from the pet food company. Really.
Chia Pet: Glue-gun plastic leaves onto an orange doggy t-shirt.
Big Bad Wolf: A shower cap, wig and old nightgown become Little Red Riding Hood’s worst nightmare. And maybe ours, too.
Super(dog)hero: A cape goes a long way in New Orleans. In any size.
Big Chem-EZ: Why is southeastern Louisiana heavily impacted by storms?
This article explores the positive and negative impacts of the engineering industry on Louisiana, including how it is impacted by storms. The author also suggests a call to action to support Louisiana coastal restoration. Big Chem-EZ discusses how finding the best course of action can be challenging, and introduces various proposed solutions to wetland loss and environmental impacts on Louisiana industries.
Waves of Change–The Impact of Political Tides on Louisiana’s Environmental Future
Healthy Gulf has been a cornerstone in safeguarding Louisiana’s natural and human resources through sustainable and equitable practices. But a new threat looms with Governor Jeff Landry’s recent consolidation proposal, which aims to merge crucial coastal management with the Department of Energy and Natural Resources. Writer Leah Claman delves into the complexities of this proposal, breaking it down for those unfamiliar with environmental policy, and sheds light on what this could mean for the future of Louisiana’s coast and its communities.
