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

Fast Forward to 11/26/20: “It’s Simone, the Park Avenue poodle and I penned a Thanksgiving tribute with my paw/hand and hope you think it’s grand. Frank, my dog walker, translated it with his I-phone, so here is my tome:

‘It's with jubilation that I anticipate the holiday celebration! Hooray for Turkey Day!

Aromas of pumpkin spice pie coming from my kitchen are bewitching.

Mom prepared a feast for our family with help from our chef, Jorge.

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

The cheers for ‘Touchdown!’ will be heard all around town. And as if there won’t be enough food, ‘Game On!’ nachos will put the fellas in a cheering mood.

Grace put vases of gorgeous gardenias and roses in our living room, and oh, their lingering scent of perfume.

Befitting this joyous occasion are vibrant gourd decorations.

It’s not said in jest that mom looks her best. Decked out in gold suede boots and a flowing marigold dress, the outfit accents Grace’s highlighted tresses.

Mommy looks like she stepped out of the pages of Vanity Fair, and let’s not talk about her upswept golden blond hair!

She wears sparkling Opal earrings and necklace bling to celebrate Thanksgiving.

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

Natch my parents’ clothes sort of match.

One stare at handsome Jorge, and our envious English butler, Ardsley rolls his eyes, as if that’s a surprise.

This year it will be just be mom and pop, Jorge, me, and Ricardo, my black poodle beau, due to the corona virus. I’ll miss seeing my human cousins, but our health and safety come first. At least we have a big apartment which is suitable for social distancing.

Ardsley will join us for dinner after he finishes serving pooches and the humans.

I hope I don’t get a hair muss when everyone poodle fusses. I do love pets galore. What dog could ask for more?

Frank, my dog walker, will be home for the holiday with his wife and kids. Therefore, Ardsley and Grace will switch off walking me. Not looking forward to strolling with snippy Ardsley.

Lexi, my Sheepdog BFF and her mom, Grace’s pal, might stop by to sample pieces of cake and pie.

Our dining room table is set with beautiful china 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.

We canines will sit at the one and only people table. I mean, we’re ready, willing, and able!

I reflect on the meaning of the holiday, before we sit down to eating on this special day.

I hope when reading my words, their significance will be heard.

It’s with a positive attitude that I say that Thanksgiving is the time to express gratitude.

We celebrate it once a year and share it with those we hold dear.

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

This year because of the corona virus, so many people will be missed. Seats at tables will be empty, but memories of them will be a plenty.

I just want everyone to be well again. I hope the sick are healed and that all have a good meal.

Let us give a voice and try to rejoice. Try and take heed, and help someone in need. Do a wonderful deed. Don’t follow -- Lead.

Perhaps you can donate clothes or food. Or maybe you can volunteer, especially needed at this time of year.

Extend a caring paw or hand, and you’ll feel grand. Whether it’s a human or furry friend, their gratitude will never end.

Yes, I’m a Park Avenue canine whose life is fine. You notice at first glance that I have curls, pompoms, and a poodle prance. I’m pampered, it’s very true, but I’m not that different than you.

Material things don’t matter most; What really counts is spending time with my 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 human; Francine, my nanny, and Ardsley, our butler.

I even thank my Chihuahua walking partner, Mojito, who favors stale Fritos. The delusional doggie thinks he’s Don Juan, but I’d probably miss him if he was gone.

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

Yay! Mojito is home with his people for the holidays. Thank goodness he won’t be around when Lexi is here. She's Mojito’s newest crush, and he’d make an uproar. Lexi’s not interested, and she’s told him so. But do you ever think Mojito would take a 'No'? I just hope he’s nice to his mommy and pappy and that he’s not yappy. Maybe they’ll calm Mojito down, as Frank does, with some CBD treats, in between the Thanksgiving eats.

Merci to the chefs and staff at Café Beaucoup, where we used to always lunch; I love the French food a bunch. I can’t wait to return to my favorite haunt on our jaunts. The tender filet meat can’t be beat.

And I’m grateful to Lilly, my hair stylist, who is the best. I miss seeing her, and if I was a cat, I’d purr. When she massages my back, I’m so relaxed. She gives me lavender baths, shampoos me, and styles my white poodle hair with much care. Why, I even get a blow dry. Makes me look very pretty and says I’m witty. She understands me at many times and thinks I’m sublime.

I hope 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 showcase fashionista me. Oui! Oui!

Thanksgiving is the time to dine on human treats and eat, and eat, and eat. And then everyone puts up their paws and feet.

Spices are the rage, and nutmeg, cinnamon, ginger, thyme, and sage take center stage.

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.

Bien sur, indulge in turkey, cranberries, yams, stuffing, 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. Topped with French fried onions, I hope dogs can dig in. If not, I might in haste, sneak a taste.

But I feel guilty about eating turkey and hope it can forgive me.

Now are you ready? Jorge made three pumpkin pies, apple pie, cranberry/blueberry pie, red velvet cake with cream cheese icing, double layered chocolate cake with rum whipped cream in the middle and maple icing, and fresh sorbet! And this year 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 wants to cheer everyone up, and the way I see it, I’m one very lucky 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 made blondies, brownies, and blueberry muffins. Boy, 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 Jorge’s gourmet talent to waste.

There will be lots of lattes, cappuccino, brewed coffee, soda, and wine. Are the grapes straight from the vine?

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

I’m always on show. Don’t you know?

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

Before gobbling down too much, my advice is to think twice.

Remember your girth and eat in spurts.

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

Dine on the tasty bird, and 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 mirror ball trophy, but you’ll be glad as can be!

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

I know that when Tchaikovsky’s 'The Nutcracker' is playing, I’ll be swaying. The melody of 'The Waltz of the Flowers' could mesmerize me for hours. Mom performed it in 'The Nutcracker' when she was a girl and still loves to twirl. It’s no wonder they named her ‘Grace,’ as she glides 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 run? Others might think you’re crazy but definitely not lazy.

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

Even if you have to adjust your routine, you’ll remain lean.

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

While you savor the flavors 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 people, too. You may have to be a little discreet, but if you overeat, get on your feet. Perhaps say that you’re using the ladies’ room or getting air. Be very polite, but devil may care.

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

And remember, if you have a helpful 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 and able -- to resume exercise and be wise.

Concerning when to stop, please do so before your buttons pop!

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

Thank goodness, humans can drink coffee. When will they make it for doggies?

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

A special 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 delicious 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.

A heartfelt thank you to all the healthcare professionals and first responders who have selflessly given and are giving countless hours to help heal those who have the corona virus: doctors, nurses, EMTs, and administrative medical staff. Gratitude to the medical researchers in laboratories and the pharma companies who are working tirelessly to create a vaccine to eradicate the corona virus. The same goes for the police who protect us and those people in businesses like food markets, pharmacies, restaurants, and stores that provide necessary services.

And to everyone who is social distancing, sanitizing, and wearing masks, we know it is no easy task. But we must be diligent and fight, so the end of the virus is in sight.

And, to anyone I have missed, I’ll blow you a poodle kiss.

Don’t forget to watch the National Dog Show today, play, and I hope you have a great Turkey Day!'"

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