Tail Talk

Tail Talk, a weekly column published in the New Orleans section of the Times-Picayune, addresses some of our animal loving community's area's of interest. If you have questions about your pet or if you want to discuss an issue of interest, send your questions or comments to gloriatp@la-spca.org.

2008

It's time to celebrate our bond with pets
Special dogs can go to the Dag's House
Whiff of catnip isn't every cat's cup of tea
Puppy mills known for grim conditions
Shelter not the only place to adopt a pet
Meet furry friends at Dog Day Afternoon
Thefts of pit bulls recently on the rise
City Bark expected to bring joyful noise
What should you do when a pet is lost?
What's in a dog? Love and happiness
Which first pets will roam White House?
Show pets love with regular check-ups
Animal problems have human roots
In case you die first, provide for pet's care
Easy to tell whether an animal owns you
Dogs, parades don't mix; keep pets safe
Pets can be harmed by cosmetic surgery
Resolve to keep pets healthy, happy in '08

2007

Safety is a concern for pets in vehicles
What's in a name? Just ask pet owners
Shelters independent of national organizations
Bidding farewell to a well-loved pet
Dogs, cats and the meaning of life
Sharing holiday foods can endanger pets
Healthy pets reflect healthy community
If trained dog leaves wet spots, visit vet
Don't let pet's aging take you by surprise
Disruption of routine can baffle, panic pets
Black dogs need way to show true colors
Know pet rules before you travel
Safe solution resisted in pet-breeding crisis
Our pets give us healthy dose of love
Invisible fencing has drawbacks
Learn to tune in to cats' social needs
Spreading the love among multiple pets
Curb fat-cat problem with diet, exercise
Perfect pets await adoption at shelters
Consistency is key to housebreaking success
Pet owners should be armed with questions for veterinarian visit
Pets communicate with the entire body
Don't leave pets out of vacation planning
Storms can spark panic among pets
Fostering: Love 'em and let them go
Heat, humidity can be fatal to canines
Avoid any catfights in kitty introductions
Early preparations ease evacuation of pets
Older animals can make perfect pets
You can work with a pet's disability
Animals like to catch more than 40 winks
Pets need special care in hot weather
Pet acupuncture gaining wider acceptance
Shelter animals will move to new home
Consider a pet's diet with homemade food
Pressure building against cockfighting
Love of animals opened new doors  (Gloria Dauphin's introduction article)
Maloney Passes the Torch  (Stint at LA/SPCA coming to an end) (Farewell article)
Grief, depression can be problems in pets
Knowledge can help pets in emergencies
Animal outlook much different in the North
Make sure pets have proper identification
Humans have strong bonds with animals
Studies show dogs take solace in music
Feline aggression has several causes
Owners can help their pets die with dignity
Krewe of Barkus is parade dogs can enjoy
Fighting cocks found on Japonica Street
Older pets make fine companions
Walking dog benefits owner, too

2006

With fireworks, inside best for pets
Pets may play part in health
Animals inch their way into hearts
Cats can have fulfilling lives inside
Chaining dogs adds to attack risk
Thanksgiving goodies can harm your dog
Patience, practice ease separation anxiety
New activities may keep dog's barking at bay
Proper treatment can rid dogs of mange
On Halloween, take special care with pets
Declawing a serious, unnecessary process
Feral cat colonies take time, effort
Group offering low-cost spaying, neutering
Drill at lakefront tests city's readiness for next emergency
Irwin's death a reminder animals still wild
Learn to be leader of pack for dog's sake
LA/SPCA begins work on Algiers facility
LA/SPCA operating at temporary digs
Service to mark lives of pets lost in storm (Tail Talk returns! August 17, 2006)
 

2005

Simple steps can help if pet strays too far (The Thursday before Hurricane Katrina)
Training your pet is just a clicker away
Pit bull bans hurt legal competition, too
Dream studies delve into animals' brains
Here are the facts on FIV-infected cats
Make your pets part of hurricane plans
Pit bull attack stats may surprise you
'Gotta Love a Lab'
Puppy or adult dog? Lifestyle is the key
Scoop the poop: Waste bags available
Fear-inducing snake often friend, not foe
Protect your animals on these hot days
Groomers bring out beauty in the beast
Pet product makers unveil annual survey
Chaining dangerous, illegal in Orleans, Jeff
Giving Pets Vitamins Can Cause Illnesses
Exotics Pets Require Commitment of Time
Battered People's Pets Need Temporary Homes
View of Animal Care a Matter of Culture
Chihuahua Makes His Way Back Home
Flea-treat; House, Pets, Yard Together
Buyer Beware: Rabbit Requires a Lot of Care
Cruelty to Animals is a Troubling Sign
Care of Carnival Horses Concerns Residents
Let Cat Get Settled Before Adding Dog
Talk With the Animals and Earn a Living, Too
Loss of Pet Hurts but Love Doesn't Die
Neighbor Howling Over Barking Dog
New Friends Can Put Owner in Doghouse
Animal Instincts Can be Powerful Tool
 

2004

Home, Yard Not Spot for Exotics, big cats
It's Time for Cats to get Equal Billing
Well-trained pets are just a click away
When in doubt, ask your veterinarian
Pet paradise puts new face on shelters
Dogs grieve when companions die
Dog’s master moves in fast-growing sport
Keeping pet rabbits requires planning
Dog’s life improves when taken off tether
Rascally Raccoons Deserve our Respect
Shelters turned away evacuated pit bulls
Heartworm Treatment, Hard Decision to Make
Lucky dogs benefit from technology
Make plans for pets during evacuation
Hamsters and Gerbils are Apples, Oranges
Trapping Cats Takes Care and Precautions
Mule Rules
Dogs share their stories in musical
How to help dogs in perilously hot cars
Compassion compels LA/SPCA volunteers
Reduce Stress with Ready-Made Hurricane Packs
Iguanas usually fail to thrive in captivity
Garden manages to thrive, even with dogs
Most baby animals don’t need rescuing
Is a Pit Bull Really a Staffordshire Terrier?
Dog attack unlikely, but learn to handle it
Know your label lingo when buying dog food
Think of your lifestyle when choosing a pet
Where there’s a will, there’s a way for pets
Hog and dog fight legality up for debate
Separation anxiety can affect dogs, too
Group husbands reptiles, amphibians
Disorder drives some to get hundreds of pets
Pit bulls Get Bad Rap
Shelters best bet for quality dogs
Use Care Picking Pet for Young Children
Give Pet Sitter Lots of Pre-trip Information
Respect resident dog when you add a pet
 

2003

Tags, microchips help keep track of pets
Steps to keep your dog at home, happy
It's Easy for Strays to Get Out of Hand
Holidays Hold Danger for Household Pets
Exotics may be Cute but Shouldn't be Pets
Reintroduce male cats when going gets tough
Adopt two Kittens and Call Me in the Morning
Show animals love by not owning one
Animal Auctions Not a Good Idea
Blind Dachshund Found on City Streets
Big dogs really don’t deserve big, bad rap
Harmonizing life for pets and wildlife
Answer to the difficult euthanasia question
Exotic Pets Often End Up Stray, Abandoned
Use Caution When Approaching Strays
Be wary; Not all Human Medications Good for Pets
Cat-killing Problem Continues to Grow
Belief System Determines Attitude toward Animals
Examining the ins and outs of cat care
Crates Help When Planning for Travel
Don’t Leave Your Pet behind if a Hurricane Hits
Dogs don’t blush when showing who’s the boss
Treat pet, home, yard to get rid of fleas
Heartworm disease in pets easy to prevent
Can My Guinea pig Catch Monkeypox?
Animal's Background Checked Before Adoption
Dogs Need Protection From Heat Exhaustion
Help Your Pets Deal with Family Additions
Writer Has the Poop on Local Ordinances
What to do When Cats Think Outside the Box
Pet question raises subject of neutering
Pets & Pointers (introduction article)

Not Dated

Our Love Affair with Pets
Buyer Beware of Pet Shop Pets
Cockfighting May Soon be a Thing of the Past
Obsessive Licking may not mean “I Love You”
Adopting a Senior Pet Brings Extra Love
Festive Season Filled with Pitfalls for Pets
It’s High Allergy Season for Pets
Curbing Your Dog’s Unusual Eating Habits
Malodorous Pet Ears Need Vet Attention
Cats Multiply Before Our Eyes