HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM "THE POODLES OF PARK AVENUE" BY KAREN-CHERIE COGANE!
KAREN-CHERIE COGANE
![KAREN-CHERIE COGANE]()
KAREN-CHERIE COGANE
CREATOR OF "THE POODLES OF PARK AVENUE"/PUBLISHED BOOK WRITER, STORY AUTHOR, SCRIPT WRITER & POET- ALL AGES FICTION & NON-FICTION: ADULT, YA, TEEN, AND MG - ANIMAL RIGHTS & ARTS ADVOCATE
Fast Forward to 12/25: “It’s Simone, the Park Avenue poodle, saying hi and Merry Christmas!
It is so amusing what baffles Mojito, the Chihuahua, who finds so many things confusing.
We are not going to Macy’s this year since we usually go to greet Santa at the famous 34th Street store. Frank, our dog walker, takes Ricardo, my poodle beau and Mojito, my Chihuahua walking partner.
I love to tell Santa my Christmas wishes and desires, but yesterday, the cheerful Frank told me he has a different Christmas surprise for us!
So, the creative and jolly Frank is dressed up today as one of Santa’s elves. But it’s on the QT since Frank revealed it to only Ricardo and me.
Wearing a cute elf mask, Frank is dressed in a green jacket with a red belt, green pants, green pointed elf shoes, and a green pointed hat. Frank looks like a bonafide elf, and clearly, the theme is green!
To appear more elf-like Frank’s rather straight dark hair is now curled, with a bigger curl in front.
Frank, Ricardo, and me went to pick up Mojito, and this is how it progressed.
And when I say an elf, I mean ‘Frank’ dressed up as an elf.
Elf/Frank: ‘Hi, Mojito!’
Mojito: ‘Who are you? Huh?’
Frank: ‘Who do you think I am?’
‘An elf?’ Mojito asked.
‘Yes, it’s me, Mojito, one of Santa’s elves, and I’m here to walk you and Simone today!’ the elf enthused.
The Chihuahua questioned: ‘But how can you be here to walk us? I thought you needed to be with Santa to get the gifts ready for the children to deliver today, Christmas! Didn’t you have to be in the North Pole before to also help Santa get the reindeer and sleigh ready for their journey?’
Elf/Frank: ‘Santa left the North Pole with the other reindeer and me last night, and he told me to walk Simone and you because he’s so busy.’
Mojito: ‘He did? That’s strange, yes, it’s strange.’
Elf: ‘Why is that?’
Mojito: ‘I was never walked by an elf before. Oh, come to think of it, I was walked by Ollie the elf last year. Si, it was Ollie.’
‘Ho! Ho! Ho! Well, Ollie, the elf is very busy assisting Santa, so I am filling in for him. Santa wanted to cheer up New York people -- everyone, and dogs. It’s been a hard year,’ the elf (Frank) said.
Mojito: ‘I thought only Santa said that, and I didn’t know Santa would arrange this again for Simone and me. Wait, last year Frank pretended he was an elf. (Looking at Frank) And he was good at it.’
Still, it seemed Mojito was clueless, and Frank smiled.
‘Of course, Santa did that, and especially for Simone. She is very popular with Santa and all of Santa’s helpers,’ the elf added.
Mojito: ‘It’s always Simone . . . Simone . . . Simone . . . She always gets the most attention. It’s not fair! Poodle this and poodle that! Just because she’s pretty, fluffy, puffy, and tall! She gets it all!’
I smiled, posed, and did a slow model-like spin.
Then I said: “Oui, that’s me! Deal with it.”
‘But I’m here for you, too, Mojito. My name is Happy,’ the elf revealed.
Mojito: ‘When is Santa coming with the reindeer?’
‘Don’t worry, Santa is here now in NYC delivering presents to the children,’ Ollie, the elf said.
Mojito wondered: 'But where are Mrs. Claus and the other elves?'
Happy, the elf: 'My great elf friends, including Ollie and Arnie are back in the North Pole. They're tired from gift wrapping all the toys. And Mrs. Claus is relaxing, I presume, since she helped with the preparations. Terrific wife Santa has!'
‘Oh, well you look a little familiar, Happy, but I can’t place you. And aren’t you too tall to be an elf?’ Mojito asked Happy.
Elf/Frank: ‘Well, elves come in all sizes now, and Santa feeds us nutritious food, like salmon, so I grew tall. In fact, I’m one of the tallest elves. Santa is an Equal Opportunity Elf Employer. He likes that I’m tall, so I can reach the top shelves in our toy shop, where many toys are.’
Mojito: ‘Oh, I guess that makes sense.’
I almost burst out laughing, but I covered my mouth with my poodle paw, and giggled.
‘What’s so funny, Simone? Huh? Why are you laughing and making fun of me?’ Mojito questioned.
Me: ‘I’m just in a good holiday mood, Mojito. Relax. Doesn’t Happy, the elf look adorable? Isn’t it wonderful that he is walking us? Who else gets this?’
Mojito questioned: ‘I don’t know, but where’s Frank? Where is he? Why isn’t he here?’
‘He is doing last minute Christmas shopping for gifts for his wife and his kids,’ I replied.
The Chihuahua wondered: ‘Yeah, but he walks us every year on Christmas day.’
Elf: ‘Frank wanted you to know he’ll be back tomorrow for early walks, but he must buy presents for his family now. He asked me to substitute, so I said: ‘Of course.’”
‘But I didn’t realize Frank knows you, Happy, the elf. How?’ Mojito asked.
‘Santa makes it a point of knowing many good people. It’s very important to appreciate everyone who goes out of their way for others. Santa told all the elves about how Frank walks Simone and you, and Ricardo every day. Frank is a great dog walker! And Santa hardly ever has time off, so I thought I’d give him a break,’ Happy, the elf explained.
Mojito’s answer: ‘That’s very kind of you, Mr. Elf, but have you ever walked dogs before? There’s only reindeer up in the North Pole, right?’
Happy: ‘Call me Happy, Mojito.’
Mojito: ‘Okay, Happy, and you look happy. Have you walked canines before?’
Happy, the elf reassured Mojito: ‘Yes, I am, Mojito. And yes, Santa has many reindeer, and they need a lot of attention. He takes them for walks around our house in the North Pole, and sometimes I assist him. The other elves help Santa, too walking the reindeer. With Dasher, Dancer, Rudolph, Comet, and the rest of the big reindeer gang, I’m certain I can walk the three of you dogs. And Santa gives me some pointers.’
Me: ‘You should thank Ollie, Mojito. He’s a very busy elf, and he made a special stop to walk us.’
Happy, the elf: ‘I have always loved Park Avenue when Santa, the reindeer and I fly over it; It’s so majestic and regal.’
Mojito: ‘Wait. You come with Santa a lot when he flies in the sleigh with the reindeer guiding it?’
‘Yes, Mojito, as I mentioned, I come often, whenever Santa needs my help,’ Ollie said.
Mojito: ‘That’s right, and it must be fun.’
Elf: ‘It is. You see, Santa gets lonely sometimes, so I keep him company. He misses his wife.’
Simone chuckling: ‘I’m so happy to see you, Ollie. Did you drop off the gifts at my Park Avenue penthouse?’
‘Yes, it’s a surprise, Simone, but you won’t be disappointed,’ Ollie said.
‘But where is Santa now?’ Mojito persisted.
Happy, the elf: ‘I told you, Mojito. He is finishing up making Christmas deliveries. He’ll pick me up later at our hotel rooftop with the reindeer.’
Mojito: ‘How do you get to the hotel?’
Happy: ‘I walk. Love to walk in this beautiful city, especially during Christmas time.’
The Chihuahua: ‘Don’t people stop and stare at you? We’re not used to seeing that many elves in the city!’
The elf: ‘Well, I bet some people will think I’m performing in Radio City’s Christmas Spectacular or in some other Christmas musical. If I meet people, I’ll tell them who I am, especially the adults. Don’t want to confuse the children. Then I’ll make my way back to the hotel.’
Mojito: ‘Happy, you, Santa, and the reindeer stay in a hotel? I don’t get it.’
‘Yes, Mojito. We stay in midtown in a big hotel on the East Side that is pet friendly. We have a suite that has plenty of room for the reindeer,’ Happy, the elf said.
‘Didn’t know that reindeers are considered pets. And they let Santa, you, and the reindeer stay in a hotel?’ Mojito asked.
Happy: ‘Well, they make a special consideration for Santa because he’s SANTA. Whatever he asks for, Santa gets, of course.’
The Chihuahua: ‘Okay. It kind of makes sense, but where does Santa put the sleigh?’
Happy: ‘It goes in a special adjoining room in the hotel suite until we leave.'
Mojito: ‘So, what about me? Don’t I get gifts?’
Happy, the elf: ‘Santa told me to ask if you have been a good boy, Mojito.’
The Chihuahua put his head down, and Happy repeated:
‘Have you, Mojito been on your best behavior? I sure hope so.’
‘I’m always good; I’m just a little misunderstood, but good,’ Mojito answered.
Me: ‘A little misunderstood? And you, GOOD? Yeah, right. Don’t think so.’
‘Be quiet, Simone. Just because I like cold French fries, cold hotdogs, and hamburger wrappers, doesn’t mean I’m a bad canine. Not all of us pooches dine on steak or sushi every night, like you, Simone,’ Mojito scoffed.
‘You know what other strange things you do and demand, Mojito,’ I clarified.
Mojito: ‘So, I might have unusual wishes but as far as I’m concerned, I deserve everything I want.’
‘Everything?’ I asked Mojito.
The Chihuahua: ‘Si, si, and then some! So there! So there!'
Mojito turned in circles and started yapping, which is typical for him.
The elf responded: ‘Mojito, if you don’t behave, Santa won’t give you any gifts. He only rewards good children and dogs, not naughty ones.’
Mojito: ‘I’m sorry.’
‘So, what is it that you want for Christmas, Mojito?’ Ollie questioned.
‘I want Lexi! Yes, Lexi!’ Mojito replied.
‘Oh, you mean the gadget you tell what to do, and it responds,’ Happy, the elf said.
Mojito: ‘She’s not a gadget! She’s REAL!’
The elf: ‘Well, I know that a lot of people think Alexa is real, but she’s an object that makes people’s lives easier. You give her commands, and she responds.’
‘No, Lexi’s not an OBJECT! She’s white and black, and beautiful,’ Mojito said.
‘What do you think she is, Mojito?’ Ollie asked.
The Chihuahua: ‘Lexi’s a Sheepdog that is English.’
Happy, the elf: ‘Oh, I thought you meant Alexa, the gadget that you state things you want it to do, like telling you the time and turning on lights.’
‘I don’t think Lexi knows how to tell time, and she would probably knock a lamp over with her paws, since she has a lot of fur in her eyes,’ Mojito added.
Happy: ‘I don’t understand. Mojito, what do you want exactly?’
‘I told you, Happy. I want Lexi, the Sheepdog. I love her. She is so big and pretty, and she lives in Simone’s building,' Mojito enthused.
Happy: 'Oh, I see. It’s Lexi, the Sheepdog that you desire as your doggie girlfriend, right?’
Mojito: ‘I want Lexi to be one of my many wives.’
‘Anything else, Mojito?’ the elf asked.
‘Yes, I want Charmaine, the Bichon, and about 68 more dogs!’ Mojito exclaimed.
Happy, the elf, aka Frank, turned away for a minute, looked at me, and it wasn’t easy, but we both stopped ourselves from laughing.
Moi: ‘And not me? Don’t forget to add me to your very long list!’
Mojito: ‘Yeah, I want Simone, too. She will be part of my huge harem. The dogs will dance around me in my apartment, wiggle, and wait on me hand and paw! They’ll feed me treats and give me endless affection. Simone can do doggie turns. And she can teach the other pooches how to do belly dancing.’
‘I perform ballet for dogs, not belly dancing,’ I corrected Mojito.
‘Oh, excuse me, princess Simone. I forgot, Mojito said.
‘Yes, since as a poodle, I’m originally from France where ballet originated, I know some ballet, which Grace taught me. She studied ballet with an international ballet star and performed when she was younger,’ I elaborated.
Mojito snickered: ‘Won’t forget that you’re from France.’
‘Yes, and I dance,” I said proudly.
Happy: ‘Mojito, these are lofty desires. I don’t know if Santa can grant you these wishes.’
The Chihuahua: ‘Please, tell Santa to do this for me, Ollie, PLEASE!’
‘But how would you fit all these canines in your apartment and wouldn’t your humans object?’ the elf questioned.
‘Are you kidding? My pet parents are never around, so they wouldn’t even notice! And I live in a big Park Avenue penthouse, so I have room for hundreds of dogs . . . Hundreds!’ Mojito asserted.
Happy: ‘I think you should concentrate on finding One Girlfriend, Mojito.’
‘Everyone keeps saying that, but why just one?’ Mojito asked.
“Because true love is not found in numbers. It is found in sharing love with one special person or one canine. It’s sharing the good times and the bad, the ups and the downs. Friendship, understanding, respect, and devotion are all part of love. And of course, there is romance, like Santa and Mrs. Claus have,” Happy, the elf said.
Mojito: ‘But I want what the Romans had: sultry women surrounding them and feeding them grapes. I know I can’t have grapes, but I want olives without pits! Please give me a hare, that will adore me, scintillate around me, and cater to me! Then I’ll never be lonely.’
Me: ‘Yup, Happy, meet crazy Mojito!’
‘I heard that, Simone. That’s mean, very mean. I’m not crazy, just ambitious and determined.’ Mojito insisted.
‘Delusional, if you ask me, really delusional and REALLY LOONEY,’ I corrected.
Mojito: ‘Who asked you? Huh?’
‘You won’t get anything by being obstinate, Mojito. Now, behave!’ the elf exclaimed.
Mojito jumped up on Happy and yelled: ‘No one gets me! Not even you, Happy or Santa. Why not? I’m a great Chihuahua, and I can have anything and everything I want! The Sultan of Park Avenue! Si! Si! That’s me!’
‘You are the most idiotic and obnoxious dog I’ve ever met!’ I hollered back. I know I’m a proper poodle, but that stupid dog gets on my nerves.
Mojito screamed: ‘No, you are!’
‘You are!’ I yelled.
The elf/Frank: ‘That’s enough! Stop provoking and insulting Simone, Mojito!’
‘She started it!’ Mojito ranted.
Me: ‘No, you did, like always!’
Happy, the elf/Frank: ‘I said STOP!’
Suddenly the green hat fell off the elf’s (Frank’s) head and landed on the floor.
Elf/Frank: ‘Oops!’
Mojito: ‘What’s that Happy?’
‘Just my hat to keep me warm,’ Happy, the elf/Frank explained.
Happy/Frank bent down to get the hat, and Mojito grabbed it, and put it in his mouth.
Then Frank’s elf mask fell off.
The Chihuahua: ‘Got you! I knew it! You’re not Happy, the elf. You’re FRANK!’
‘No, I am Happy, the elf, and I want my hat back!’ Frank snapped.
‘No, you’re my dog walker, Frank! You’re pretending and trying to fool me like you did last year!’ Mojito hollered, as Frank grabbed his hat.
Frank retorted: ‘Take it easy, young man. Okay, Mojito, yes, I’m Frank, but in a way, I am one of Santa’s cheerful elves, like Happy. I would have to be, to have the tolerance and patience to walk you every day, Mojito.’
Mojito: ‘Lucky you, Frank. Lucky you that you get to walk me, Mojito, the GREAT!’
Me: ‘Mojito, the great, I think Frank is amazing, and just like an elf. He walks us daily, and he is so wonderful to us. It’s the other way around, Mojito. You don’t know how lucky we are to have him.’
Mojito: ‘So, now that I know you are pretending to be an elf, Frank, can you tell Santa that I want Lexi for Christmas, and Charmaine, the Bichon, and . . .?’
‘No! No! No!’ Frank told Mojito.
‘Then, how about Simone? Please? Can I borrow her a few nights a week and on the weekends?’ Mojito asked.
I asserted: ‘I’m right here, and I can hear you, and as if! No! Get your own dog girlfriend. I am not interested! How about a Chihuahua for you?’
Mojito: ‘Very funny, Simone, but Chihuahuas are too noisy and moody.’
‘What did I hear you say? Do you know how loud you are? Do you?’ I questioned.
‘I am not loud,’ Mojito said.
Me, in a sarcastic tone: ‘No, not you. You don’t have a clue. You should find a Chihuahua that is as loud as you, so you can tune each other out.’
Mojito: ‘You’re wrong, Simone. I’m melodic. And I guess it might be okay to have a girl Chihuahua for a wife, but I like other dogs, too.’
Moi: ‘I know, Lexi, Lexi, Lexi . . .’
The Chihuahua: ‘Yes! Yes! Si! Si! Can you convince her, Simone? Can you? She’s your BFF.’
‘No! She lives with her family on Park Avenue, and she is very happy,’ I said.
Mojito: ‘She’ll be happier with me in my Park Avenue apartment, and she can visit her family.’
‘R-I-G-H-T,’ I replied.
Frank: ‘Listen, Mojito, I need to finish walking you both, and if you shut up, I mean, quiet down, maybe I’ll take you to the pet store to get some treats. One store is still open for an hour if we hurry up.’
‘Really? Okay. How about some cold French fries, too?’ Mojito asked.
‘No, but maybe we can get just a light snack at a café, if we find one open, since Simone is having a big dinner later,’ Frank revealed.
Mojito in a jealous way: ‘Of course Simone is having a fancy dinner -- only gourmet food for her.’ He continues: ‘You look cute, Frank, and you are a good elf.’
Frank: ‘An actual compliment, Mojito?'
‘Si, that was very nice what you did for us,’ Mojito said.
Frank: ‘Thanks, and I am going to be Santa for my kids today.’
‘Are you taking off the elf costume now, Frank?’ I asked.
‘No, I’ll keep it on. The elf costume is growing on me. Besides, maybe they’ll give us special treats at the store,’ our dog walker replied.
Suddenly, Mojito looked very sad: ‘Will I ever find love, Frank?’
‘Maybe . . . Hopefully . . . If you change your attitude and exude positive energy, it could be that love will come to you. But you must be a good boy and appreciate everything,’ Frank explained to Mojito.
‘Like that’s every going to happen,’ I scoffed.
‘What did you say now, Simone?’ Mojito questioned.
Me: ‘Nothing.’
Mojito: ‘I’ll try, but I still say: the more dogs, the merrier.’
My response: ‘Mojito?’
Ricardo, my poodle beau, who has been quiet up until now: ‘Listen to Simone, for once, Mojito.’
Frank: ‘What did I just tell you?’
‘Okay, I’ll think about it, but can Lexi come over to your apartment, Simone to see me soon? Can she?’ Mojito persisted.
‘Enough with your obsession of Lexi. You don’t give up! What is it about her? I mean, I know Lexi’s cute, but you never stop talking about her,’ I answered.
‘It’s her long fur and the mystery of it covering her eyes,’ the Chihuahua explained.
Me: ‘You mean, it’s because Lexi can’t see you and how tiny you are.’
Mojito praised: ‘It’s how expansive she is. It’s how warm she is when I crawled under her. It’s how white she is, with touches of black -- beautiful beyond words. It’s how sweet and innocent she is. It’s how soft Lexi is. It’s E-V-E-R-T-H-I-N-G! She's Sheepdog sensational!'
‘Maybe you can get a life-size stuffed toy that looks like Lexi because she is taken,’ I stressed.
Mojito: ‘No! I don't want a stuffed animal! I want the real thing -- Lexi! And she’s married? She has a boyfriend? I didn’t know that.’
‘No, I repeat: Lexi lives with her family in my building, and we're besties, and that’s where she wants to stay,’ I said to Mojito.
Mojito: ‘Maybe my Christmas gift from Frank will be that I can live with Lexi in her apartment! I’m small, and I don’t take up much room. I can sleep in a doggie bed. No, better yet, I can sleep next to Lexi in her bed. She can keep me cozy at night, and we can cuddle and kiss.’
Frank: ‘No! No! Absolutely not! That’s enough. We’re going to the pet store now!’
Mojito: “Goody, goody.’
Frank whispered to me: ‘Oh, no, darn, I forgot the CBD treats to calm Mojito down. You distract him, Simone, and I’ll buy them when we go to the store.’
Me: ‘Okay, that’s a good idea.’
Frank: ‘It’s a deal.’
I stood up on my hind legs, licked Frank, and praised him: ‘Thank you for being Happy, the elf, Frank. You are so wonderful to us. You are like a lucky charm -- an elf, and you are like Santa to me! You are the BEST, Frank, and I don’t know what I’d do without you.! And mommy and daddy have a generous Christmas gift for you that you’ll really enjoy, I mean, REALLY ENJOY!’
Frank was coy and said: ‘Hmm. I wonder what it is.’
Moi: ‘I know since I overheard Grace talking to Raymond about it.’
Our dog walker: ‘Just surprise me, okay?’
My response: ‘Oui, and I think your wife will be very happy. Hint: It’s made of green paper.’
Frank had a big smile, as if he knew what the gift is: ‘I see. Oh, I can’t wait to find out.’
FYI, it’s a big Christmas bonus, and I mean BIG, with a lot of zeros! I think Frank is the richest dog walker in all of NYC or even the world! He deserves it!
Frank took us to ‘Pets Gourmet’ on Madison that was still open and bought doggie ginger treats, pumpkin treats, and CBD biscuits for Mojito. He popped some into Mojito’s mouth, and within a half hour, he was carrying the napping Mojito home.
Frank walked me home, and I anticipated the dinner Jorge is making for me, Raymond, and Grace, and yes, Ardsley, our butler on Christmas. Even though Ardsley is testy we didn’t want him to be alone on Christmas. He was planning on going to the UK to visit his relatives, but decided to stay here instead.
No relatives are coming this year for the Christmas feast, but we sent them holiday cards and might call them.
So, it will be just me and the family, and Jorge, who is part of the fam now.
Oh, and of course, my poodle love, Ricardo will be there. I’m as happy as can be that Ricardo will sit next to me.
Mom’s BFF, Sally and her Bichon, Charmaine might stop by for dessert.
And yahoo, Lexi and her human mom may join us for the sweets, too!
Thank goodness Mojito will be home with his people. The MDs finally have a day that is free.
If Mojito came over, I know he’d be bothering Lexi. And that’s putting it mildly.
Ardsley will serve and crossing my paws that he does not fight with Jorge, who he views as his rival.
Picture Superman and that’s Jorge, our suave gourmet chef with dramatic good looks and a toned body. Not to mention that he is a lady charmer with a sexy Spanish accent.
Snippy and snobby butler Ardsley cannot understand why his English training at the Thames Butler Academy in London does not get him riches and the gals. Could it be his bad attitude? Ardsley should compare notes with Mojito – they’re the temperamental duo!
The family, Jorge, Ardsley (after he serves us), and we canines will all be seated at the dining room table on Christmas.
Now, are you ready for our menu? Thinking about it, I’m licking my chops, and I can’t stop!
We’ll have a big turkey with all the trimmings: stuffing, sweet potato pie with marshmallows and pineapple, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, and fresh cranberries with mandarin oranges.
Regarding the big turkey Jorge is cooking, I am dealing with my ‘turkey guilt,’ as usual. Try not to dwell on it when I eat the bird, and I hope he can forgive me.
Jorge is making 5 traditional pies: 2 pumpkin pies, 2 apple, and 1 cranberry. And this year he is adding pecan/almond pie with bourbon and fresh whipped cream, and lemon meringue pie with lemon liqueur, Limoncello inside!
He’s creating ginger cake with Grand Marnier. Jorge is also baking a double layered red velvet and Devils Food chocolate cake, layered inside with vanilla cream, and frosted with chocolate ganache!
And if that isn’t enough, our super-human chef is making a Chocolate and Orange Souffle, flambeed with a special French liqueur! But I’m worried that out of spite, Ardsley might run into the kitchen just when Jorge is taking the souffle out of the oven, make a commotion, and distract Jorge, and then the souffle will collapse!
Desserts galore, and there’s more!
So that we canines don’t feel left out, Jorge is creating a tasty dog-friendly cake; It’s made from sweet potatoes and carrots that he got the recipe for. Don’t tell, but I’m going to try the human desserts. If you were me, wouldn’t you?
How lucky am I? There are so many varieties of cakes and pies that entice the tummy and eyes! My, oh my!
When mommy asked Jorge why he is making so many desserts, he said: ‘But what if a few friends stop by for pie?’
I thought: ‘A few friends?’
Mom concurred: ‘Maybe Sally will come and Lexi’s mom, but we have enough food for a huge army!’
Jorge just grinned and answered: ‘I just want everyone to be happy, especially during this difficult year.’
‘Thank you so much, Jorge. You’re so sweet and thoughtful, but we have a plethora of gourmet food to eat! Not that I’m complaining. You are the BEST CHEF AND A WONDERFUL MAN! You're a great catch for a very lucky woman!’ Grace exclaimed.
Jorge smiled and said: ‘Mucho gracias. Thank you so much, Grace. Anything for you and your family, including of course, the dogs.’
Now for the libations: Vino, apple cider, and soda will quench.
Cappuccino, Pumpkin Latte, Pistachio Mocha, brewed coffee, hot chocolate topped with whipped cream and peppermint, and eggnog will come after with the sweets and the laughter.
And there’s always hot spiced apple cider, with or without brandy.
Pumpkin flavored Perrier for us canines will sort of be fine. I will sneak sips of wine for the occasion. I don’t want to miss out, and that’s what it’s all about!
Our apartment is decorated in red and green in the dining room and living room.
Our dining room table is already set with a fancy red tablecloth and matching napkins. Christmas China with festive designs and Sterling silver flatware adorn the table. Red crystal wine and water glasses . . . A poinsettia centerpiece . . . And beautiful long stemmed silver candles in candlestick holders . . .
A large real Christmas tree is in the living room, decorated with tinsel, vibrant balls, and ornaments.
There are wrapped presents underneath, and oui, I assume some gifts are for me!
We even have a big and colorful Nutcracker statue in the living room, but he is placed away from the tree. He looks so handsome to me.
Can’t wait to dance around the Nutcracker on my hind legs to the lilting ‘Waltz of the Flowers’ by Tchaikovsky, and mom joins me. Mommy was a ballerina, and she holds my front legs, and we twirl. She performed in ‘The Nutcracker’ in the ‘Waltz of the Flowers’ when she was a girl, since she studied with an international ballet star.
Fragrant red roses, holly, and evergreen surround, and beauty abounds.
Cinnamon, vanilla, fir, and pumpkin scented candles entice. They are oh, so nice.
The best part? Standing under the mistletoe, being kissed by my wonderful beau.
We’ll smile and feel strong, as we sing the uplifting Christmas songs.
By the way, I got Ricardo red and green striped holiday doggie jammieto keep him cozy when he gets dozy. It may be cold outside, but we'll cuddle inside. I was going to get him a onesie, but he said he preferred traditional pooch pjs.
Jorge revealed Ricardo got me something special. Wonder what it is. Maybe a poodle stuffed animal or a pretty holiday sweater?
In every way, it will be an eventful Christmas day.
Now, here’s the ‘CHRISTMAS TOME BY SIMONE’:
‘The festivities are almost here, and I love this time of year!
I hope there is peace on earth and that everyone knows they have worth.
Let’s get along and emphasize what is right, not wrong.
Let’s make friends and find a way to mend.
People and all pets deserve love in their life and no strife.
Dogs and cats need a forever home and should never roam.
I’m grateful to have Raymond and Grace, my humans and Ricardo, my poodle boyfriend. Ditto for Frank, my dog walker; Jorge, our chef; Francine, my nanny, and Lilly, my stylist. They’re the best. While Ardsley can be in a huff, he’s got the proper butler stuff.
Thanks to the chefs and staff at Café Beaucoup for the delicious French food that always puts me in a good mood.
My Christmas wishes are mostly for dog to canine or dog to person interaction.
I wish that the people who are sick get well.
Thank you to the doctors, the nurses, the EMTs, police, fire departments, workers in pharmacies, groceries, restaurants, and all stores who provide necessary services.
There are some special things I’d like: daily foot rubs since my poor poodle paws get tired. Prancing on the NYC streets take a big toll on my feet, so massaging my footsies can’t be beat. Adding doggie paw cream will also be keen.
I want pumpkin spice cookies and gingerbread. If not, I’ll take other Christmas flavored treats, instead.
I really hope Mojito, my Chihuahua walking partner, finds one girl to make him happy. Maybe then he won’t be so yappy.
The Chihuahua envisions being surrounded by scintillating belly dancing wives and thinks he’s the sexiest pooch alive! It's a broken record and the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard.
I wish I could see the real Santa Claus again and tell him my wishes. I'm glad Frank dressed up as an elf again this year, and he was great. I hope next year Frank brings me, Ricardo, and Mojito to Macy's to see Santa Claus, who gives great advice and is so nice.
Have fun, and happy holiday wishes to everyone!’
My pet parents give me a wonderful home, and dictated to Frank's I-Phone, I’m on a roll, and this is 'SIMONE’S SPECIAL HOLIDAY POEM':
‘My Christmas tribute sums it all up, since I’m one lucky pup.
The festive holidays cast their spell. Can’t you tell?
Cookies in pretty designs . . . Some are yours, and some are mine.
The yummies are very enticing, coated with sprinkles and icing.
Cupcakes with frosted tops . . . Candy canes and lollipops ….
Macarons with filling and whipped cream mounds . . . Sweets abound.
Gingerbread men, but where are the spicy ladies? Maybe they’re home taking care of the gingerbread babies.
Hot cocoa and peppermint mocha . . .
Floating marshmallows for girls and fellas …
Creamy eggnog and delicious Christmas chocolate logs …
Glistening lights on Christmas trees and buildings that are tall . . . Snowmen wearing hats and scarves, and colored balls . . . This season has it all!
Hanukkah lights glow in the night. For eight days we look at the beautiful rays.
Lovely decorations befit wonderful occasions.
Heartwarming holiday TV shows and vibrant bows . . .
Santa who is jolly and red holly . . .
Lots of laughter for girls and boys, and reindeers with poise . . .
Perfect poodle pirouetting for me to “The Nutcracker” by Tchaikovsky!
Strutting down the street, as I entrance everyone I meet ...
Dogs bark and people chat, and I have been known to befriend a cat.
Winter cheer is everywhere.
Snowflakes scattered on the windowpanes ... Playing fun games ...
Romance is in the air and the desire to share.
Daddy smooches mom under the mistletoe. Is it the love season? Yes, I know so.
Fragrant Christmas trees and scrumptious goodies, if you please!
Hanging whimsical stockings and doing lots of online and in person shopping . . .
Music playing and people swaying . . .
Singing merrily along to Christmas songs . . .
It’s the holidays, and this wish is from me to you.
Merry Christmas, Raymond and Grace. The love I have for you can't be replaced.
You can buy me clothes and toys, like a shiny ball, but what I truly want will give me the most joy of all.
I’m gleeful as can be when you spend time with me.
Being together makes us strong, and I feel like I belong.
Gaze into my eyes with a daily dose of surprise.
Give me a big smile. Admire my inimitable poodle style.
Keep me warm and protect me from harm.
Give me relaxing back rubs. Let me soak in a bubbly tub.
Pamper me with gardenia, lilac, or rose bath gel. My astute canine nose can tell.
Shower me with pets. Dry me with a warm towel when I’m wet.
Brush my soft and luxurious poodle hair. Read me happy ending bedtime stories with much care, like 'Goldilocks and the Three Bears.'
Kiss me, and tuck me in, and let my pleasant doggie dreams begin.
It’s a special time of the year, to be with the ones who are dear.
I miss you all day and hope you’re glad that you’re my mom and dad.
I can’t wait for your key to open the door cause’ your poodle couldn’t adore you more.
Here come canine hugs and lots of love! Wouldn’t mind if you wrap my four paws in cashmere gloves.
You can take me for walks . . . We can have heart-to-heart talks . . .
But whatever it is, I’ll always be your poodle kid.
So, let your cares fly away, and appreciate all the good that comes your way.
Oh, and your poodle, Simone would also like a big sirloin, ribeye, or Porterhouse steak bone.
Rib eye is also nice, and please season with a yummy spice.
Mommy and pop: You’re the tops!
And, Ricardo, my poodle beau, thanks for making me the happiest girl I know!
My holiday and year-round advice: Be very nice.
For your wishes to come true, be your very best you.
May your heart be filled with love and your home filled with joy. This applies to the young, the old, the shy, and the bold, people and pets, and girls and boys.
Merry Christmas! I hope you had a Happy Hanukkah, and Happy Kwanzaa – a holiday extravaganza and bonanza!
To all the doggies: Happy Howlidays and Pawlidays! Here’s hoping you had a Happy Pawnukkah! Have a Merry Poochmas, and a Happy Pwanzaa!
And of course, Happy New Year! Have a ball! And that’s Park Avenue poodle all!'"
Written by: Simone, THE Park Avenue canine, for whom the holidays are sublime, helped by Karen-Cherie Cogane
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