HAPPY THANKSGIVING FROM "THE POODLES OF PARK AVENUE" BY KAREN-CHERIE COGANE!

“Hi from Simone, the Park Avenue poodle, and I wrote a Thanksgiving tribute with my paw/hand, and hope you think it’s grand.

?This is my tome that Frank, my perceptive dog walker, translated with his I-phone:

?‘I anticipate the holiday celebration with jubilation! Turkey Day -- Yay!

?Helped by our talented chef, Jorge, mom made a big feast for our family.

Enticing aromas of pumpkin and apple pie coming from my kitchen are bewitching.

?Our soiree will last all day, and later, the guys will watch football being played.

?‘Touchdown!’ will be heard all around town. ‘Game On!’ As if there won’t be enough food, nachos and chips will put the fellas in a great mood.

?The lovely ambiance is courtesy of my gifted mother, Grace.

?Crystal vases of fragrant gardenias and roses are in our living room, and oh, their lingering scent of natural perfume.

?Befitting this happy occasion are vibrant gourd decorations.

?As a poodle who loves fashion, my mom and dad look dashing.

Mommy looks her very best, and this is not said in jest.

?Decked out in cognac colored suede boots and a flowing matching dress, the outfit coordinates with Grace’s highlighted tresses.

?My mother looks like she strutted out of the pages of Vanity Fair, and let’s not talk about her upswept golden blond hair!

?She wears sparkling garnet earrings and necklace bling to celebrate Thanksgiving.

?In golden hued slacks and a golden cashmere sweater, dapper daddy couldn’t look better. How do you do, GQ?

?My parents’ clothes sort of match -- Natch.

?One stare at handsome Jorge, and our envious English butler, Ardsley rolls his eyes, and that’s no surprise. Dressed in casual attire for the holiday, I ponder: ‘Can Ardsley be nice on this important day?’

?This year it will be mom and pop, Jorge, me, and Ricardo, my black poodle beau. My human cousins and aunts/uncles will celebrate in their respective homes across the country.

?After he finishes serving us canines and the humans, Ardsley will join us for dinner.

?I know I’ll get pets galore. What poodle could ask for more? But I’ll confess that I hope I don’t get a hair mess.

?Went to my terrific salon ‘Ma Belle Chien’ two days ago, and Lily gave me the full treatment: my lavender bath, hair trim, conditioner, blow dry, and massage. And, and I forgot, she also gave me my pawdicure with foot rubs.

?Frank, my dog walker, will be home for the holiday with his wife and kids. Therefore, Ardsley and Grace will switch off walking me. I don’t look forward to strolling with the snippy Ardsley. Would you be?

?Lexi, my Sheepdog BFF and her mom, Grace’s friend, might stop by to sample pieces of Jorge’s and mommy’s cakes and pies.

?Our dining room table is set with beautiful China leaf printed dishes, Waterford glasses, and sterling silverware. Behold! The napkins are gold.

?There is a lovely Fall themed floral centerpiece in the middle of the table. Various flowers in gold, orange, and yellow are lively.

?We pooches will sit at the one and only people table. Of course, we’re ready, willing, and able!

Before we sit down to eat on this special day, I ponder the meaning of this holiday.

?I hope the significance of my words will be heard.

?I say with a sincere attitude that Thanksgiving is the time to express a great deal of gratitude.

?We celebrate it once a year and hold the moments dear.

?All that we have cannot be measured and must be treasured.

?Let us give a voice and try to rejoice.

?Take heed and try to help someone in need. Do a wonderful deed. Don’t follow -- Lead.

?Perhaps you can donate food or clothing, or toys.

?Or maybe you can volunteer, which is needed at this time of year.

?Extend a caring paw or hand, and whether it’s a human or furry friend, their appreciation will never end.

?I’m certainly a Park Avenue canine whose life is quite fine. You notice at first glance that I have curls, pompoms, and a poodle prance.

But there’s a lot more to me than your eyes can see.

I’m pampered, it’s very true, but I’m not that different than you.

?Material things are not what matters most; What really counts is spending time with my human folks.

?So, I give many thanks to my mother and father; Ricardo, my love; Frank, my canine walker and poodle talker; Jorge, our chef and Ricardo’s person; Francine, my nanny, and Ardsley, our butler.

?Newsflash: I even thank my Chihuahua walking partner, Mojito, who prefers cold French Fries and stale Fritos. The delusional doggie regards himself as Don Juan, but I’d probably miss him if he was gone.

?He imagines a scintillating harem with dog girls that swirl. I’ll mention that the conceited, yet insecure Chihuahua always wants to be the center of attention. Mojito actually longs for me, but that’s never going to be! But even though he balks, he keeps me company on our daily walks.

?Mojito is home with his people for the holidays. Hooray! His parents who are MDs finally have a day that is free.

?Thank goodness Mojito won’t be around. Lexi’s one of his biggest crushes, and he’d make an uproar, that’s for sure. Mojito loves her Sheepdog black and white hair (fur), and Lexi is glad Mojito won’t be there.

?Lexi’s not interested, and she’s told him so. But do you think Mojito would ever take a 'No'?

?I just hope the Chihuahua is not yappy and is nice to his mommy and pappy. In between the Thanksgiving eats, maybe they’ll calm Mojito down, as Frank does, with CBD treats. Will make him feel more at ease.

Thanks to Charmaine, my Bichon pal, and Lexi, my Sheepdog BFF.

Merci to the chefs and staff at Café Beaucoup, where we often lunch; I love the French cuisine a bunch. I l really enjoy going to my favorite haunt on our jaunts. Their steak tartare and tender filet and sirloin steak meat can’t be beat.

?And I’m grateful to Lilly, my hair stylist, who is the best. I love seeing her and if I was a cat, I’d purr. When she massages my back, I’m so relaxed. She gives me gardenia or lavender baths, shampoos me, and styles my hair with much care. My, oh, my, I enjoy getting a blow dry. She makes me look very pretty and says I’m witty. She understands me most of the time and thinks I’m sublime.

?I know Raymond and Grace know they’re lucky as can be to have such an elegant poodle like me. I feel footloose and fancy free when they parade fashionista me. Oui! Oui!

?Thanksgiving is the time to dine on human treats and eat, and eat, and eat. Then everyone gets drowsy and puts up their paws or feet.

?Cinnamon, ginger, thyme, nutmeg, and sage take center stage, as spices are the rage.

?Where to begin? Just dig in!

?Why not start by sampling a few bites of the petite culinary delights?

?But eating too many hors d’oeuvres will add to your curves.

?Surely, indulge in turkey, cranberries, yams, stuffing, squash, veggies, and much more. Be careful since you want to be able to make it out the door!

?Jorge made a green bean casserole, and it’s in one big yellow Creuset bowl. Added Cream of Mushroom soup, and topped it with crunchy French fried onions; I hope dogs can dig in. If not, I might in haste, sneak a taste.

?But I feel kind of guilty about eating turkey and hope it can forgive me. I see them on Long Island, hear them making gobbling sounds, and consider them my animal friends.

Now are you ready for this? It’s pure sugar bliss! Jorge made three pumpkin pies, ?a cranberry/blueberry/blackberry pie, apple pie with vanilla frosting; red velvet cake with cream cheese icing; double layered chocolate cake with Grand Marnier whipped cream in the middle and maple icing; and fresh peach and pear sorbet! Yay!

?And for Thanksgiving it’s just our immediate family, not an army, and Lexi and her mommy, maybe! No wonder why our butler is filled with jealousy! Jorge is the catch of the century!

?Jorge said he always likes to cheer everyone up, and the way I see it, I’m one very fortunate pup! Again, he went all out, and that’s what it’s all about!

?Mom and dad are so excited and can’t believe the array of dessert choices. But then again, it’s Jorge, the super man!

Please, parents, give Jorge a big Christmas bonus from all of us.

?Grace baked so much and dad loves her culinary touch. She made brownies, blondies, reddies (made from Red Velvet cake), and blueberry muffins. Yup, with all these goodies, am I going to be poodle mouth stuffing!

?Come on, don’t think I won’t taste. Wouldn’t want to put mom’s and Jorge’s gourmet talent to waste.

?There will be lots of lattes (including Pumpkin Spice, of course), cappuccino, brewed coffee, ?apple cider, soda, and wine. Are the grapes straight from the vine?

?But I must watch my poodle shape, so I don’t look like a huge bear or an overgrown ape.

?Don’t you know? I’m always on show!

?Whether I’m wearing a tres chic doggie outfit, or in my birthday suit, it’s important to be fit.

?So, before gobbling down too much, my advice is to think twice.

?Eat in spurts and remember your girth.

?Then do a little run and have some aerobic fun.

?Dine on the tasty bird, but before you get too full, head to the treadmill. Just be sure not to rush and spill.

?And why not perform an impromptu dance? Go ahead and take a chance. Now you won’t be judged on reality TV or win a ‘Dancing with the Stars’ mirror ball trophy, but you’ll be pleased as can be!

?Spoon in sweet potatoes with gooey marshmallows, and you’ll be a delighted girl or fella.

When Tchaikovsky’s ‘The Nutcracker’ is playing, mommy and I will be happily swaying. The melody of ‘The Waltz of the Flowers’ mesmerizes me for hours. Mom studied Professional Ballet with an international ballet star and performed it in the ballet when she was a girl. She still loves to twirl. It’s no wonder they named her ‘Grace,’ as she pirouettes, glides, and chasses effortlessly through space.

?Then do upbeat skips to the beat and return to something to eat.

?Before the sweets come, how about squeezing in another indoor lap or a run? Others might think you’re crazy but not lazy.

?You’re not being rude; You just want to offset the calories in the rich food.

?You’ll remain lean, even if you have to adjust your routine.

?Pay attention to your waist, but just not in too much haste. Keep your pace.

?While you savor the flavors and dishes of Thanksgiving Day, the pounds can still melt away.

?Just give it your best, and don’t be stressed.

?These tips apply to dogs and humans, too. You may have to be a little discreet, but if you overeat, get on your feet.

?Perhaps say that you’re using the bathroom or getting air. Be very polite, but devil may care.

?Go ahead and enjoy, whether you’re a girl or a boy.

?And remember, if you have a running machine, it may not be far away and is waiting for you today.

?If you are out of steam, head back to the table. Just be ready, willing, and able -- to resume exercise and be wise.

?One caveat: If you can’t burn the calories today, plan on doing it soon, on another day.

?Regarding when to refrain from eating and stop, please do so before your buttons pop!

?The tryptophan in the turkey makes you sleepy, so plop on the couch, or sit on your person’s lap, and take a nap.

?Thank goodness, people can drink coffee, but when will they make it for doggies?

Happy Thanksgiving to all: Canines and their humans; kids and their parents; wives and husbands; boyfriends/girlfriends of pooches and people; relatives; dog walkers, turkeys; chefs; nannies; butlers; stylists; friends; neighbors; restaurateurs and their staff!

And specifically, to all pets: Happy Petsgiving!

?A extra big hug and merci to Raymond and Grace, my family, for the love they give me. I’m full of glee and really appreciate how they take care of me.

?My parents provide me with a wonderful roof over my head and a comfy human-sized bed. Not to mention all the scrumptious food which puts me in an elated mood.

?To Ricardo, you are the best beau, my everlasting love, and I’ll shout it to the stars and sky above! Thank you for the romance at night and for making every day bright.

Remember to watch the great National Dog Show today on NBC at noon and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade before on NBC and CBS. Play, and have a wonderful Turkey Day!'"

?Written by: Simone, THE Park Avenue poodle, helped by Karen-Cherie Cogane