Poor Neuty the Nutria, a family's beloved 22-pound swamp rat, was almost cuffed and hauled away from his house when media attention drew the Wildlife and Fisheries Department to his door.
But never fear: Louisiana Lt. Gov Billy Nungesser joined Newell Normand's show on Thursday to discuss an upcoming tourism trip where he and others are taking the state's premier fresh seafood and introducing it to the Lonestar State.
And he took the opportunity to announce that Neuty is getting a well-deserved pardon.
To refresh memories, Neuty drew national attention when a local newspaper wrote a feature on him riding in his family's car like a dog, traveling with them and staying in hotels, swimming in the pool and being unusually lovable.
"We were able to get Neuty a stay," Nungesser announced on the show. "I can't imagine them ever losing that pet." Normand added that he's met Neuty, who was such a big hit he was like a Hollywood celebrity.
Neuty will be officially pardoned next week at the Rougarou Fest, a free family-friendly festival with a spooky flair that celebrates the rich folklore that exists along the bayous of Southeast Louisiana.
"Only in Louisiana," Nungesser said, adding, "Who would have thought Neuty would have come out of the swamp to be a celebrity here in Louisiana. But we take advantage of every celebrity, even one with four legs. It's a great opportunity to have some fun."
Nungesser was on the show for his monthly visit to talk about all things Louisiana, including being in Dallas next week for “Louisiana Goes Lone Star” as part of the Louisiana Culinary Trails tourism marketing campaign. They'll take Louisiana's premiere shrimp to the Lonestar State to introduce it to more diners, shoppers and restauranteurs.
"It has a wide reach," Nungesser said about the trip, adding that it's a great return on the state's investment when it gets people talking about Louisiana shrimp and dining on it in restaurants and grocery stores. Once you taste the real thing, imported shrimp just won't do, Normand agreed.
Nungesser also took the opportunity to talk up a push for a 10 cent inspection fee on all imported seafood because of safety concerns, and to help boost Louisiana's sales of its fresh, delicious wares. He's hoping that comes before the legislature.