THE POODLES OF PARK AVENUE BY KAREN-CHERIE COGANE WELCOME SUMMER!

Fast Forward to 6/20: “It’s Simone, the Park Avenue poodle, and I’m excited to say: ‘Roses are in full bloom. Fragrant lilacs make me swoon. I am mesmerized by the moon.

Tulips are lined up on Park Avenue, perfectly groomed for all to view. I feel renewed. How about you?

Summer is here, my favorite season of the year!

Birds soar high, and vivid blue is the sky.

Nature abounds and surrounds. Take a look at the expansive trees, and enjoy a flowing summer breeze.

Maybe it’s the feeling of the warm air, but I see beauty everywhere.

Everything smells so fresh -- It is the best.

The corona virus has been so hard on everyone, but my family and me are soldiering on. Social distancing and wearing masks are quite a task. I wish all good health, and that is the true measure of wealth.

My walks have been on the short side, but Frank always shows me off with much pride. We promenade on the Upper East Side.

Now some restrictions are gone, and people are strong, and trying to carry on.

There’s a bounce to their step and more pep.

In the Big Apple my dog walker lets me sip Snapple. Or I drink iced Perrier which brightens any day. And how about enjoying lemonade that is freshly made? I’m a canine, it’s true, but I like summer drinks, just like you.

My bacon treats have a little extra spice, which is nice. Frank pops them in before my lunch and din.

Bistros are reopening. Can’t wait to return to Café Beaucoup: Frank, my dog walker, me, Ricardo, my poodle beau, and Mojito, the Chihuahua. Delicious French food puts me in a good mood.

Our chef and Ricardo’s owner, Jorge, has been making gourmet dishes for us. Or we order food to be delivered. Eating a lot of sushi and sashimi for dad, mom, and poodle me.

We will resume window shopping in the fancy New York stores and look at the displays galore.

I’ll boast that we don’t wear coats.

Dressing me in doggie cotton frocks and matching bows, mom’s chic style shows. Sometimes our outfits coordinate for our strolling dates.

Grace has got a “Red Carpet” attitude, whatever suits her of-the-moment mood.

Summer 2020 has fashion a plenty:

Jumpsuits are front and center. Cropped or long, they undeniably belong.

Pima cotton has become the “it” fabric.

Dresses with big slits are a hit. Legs are revealed with much appeal.

Pants come in many varieties to please: pedal pushers, cargos, ankle length, skinny, or wide. They have definitely hit their stride.

Cool off wearing shorts or skorts.

Big flower designs take the stage. Animal and camo prints are the rage.

Cropped cardigans keep you warm on balmy nights and look out-of-sight.

Blouses can reveal your shoulders. Colors are bolder.

Tee shirts with sayings uplift. Some go to the waist, while others reach the hip, and are tunics.

Uneven hems reign on shirts and skirts.

Tops, short in front and long in back, are on track. High and low is the new way to go.

Choose a V-neck, scoop, square, or crew. It’s up to you.

Or opt for an exotic kimono that's so on trend, often in a rayon blend.

Leisure clothes for indoors do not bore. Put on light pants and its upper mate, and you’ll feel great. Popcorn and binging on Netflix do the trick.

Yellow and green are keen.

Aqua is popular for hers. The color reminds us of the sea and is tranquil as can be.

Stand out in pink. How about sipping rose or a strawberry drink?

Pastels and tie dye catch the eye.

Remember the power of red.

Shoes with corked heels are snazzy for real.

Step into flats, wedges, or slides. You decide.

Sneakers are slip on or tied. Your feet will be in summer season and for good reason.

Jeans have glitter, appliques, or fringe on hems for women. Denim jackets match. Natch.

Beach slacks are all over the racks. Stripes, solids, or Ikat designs are fine.

I want to share that ruffles are everywhere.

My feminine mom, Grace, says not to forget about lace. It’s sexy or demure, that’s for sure.

And now for the face, according to fashionista Grace:

Add some creamy lip gloss, and you’ll be the lady boss. Shades of bronze, gold, or nude give you the summer attitude. Or, instead, put on a striking lip of red.

Brush on bronzer and cheek highlight for a sparkly night.

Stroke on dramatic eyeshadow, since now with masks, the eyes are prominent.

Coat your lashes with mascara and then flutter. Men will melt like butter.

Try not to follow a fashion book. Be imaginative and creative with your look.

Your style will certainly get raves and make waves.

Our summer fun has just begun.

During the week, Ricardo and I romp in Central Park, and frolic on a lark. Mojito is often relegated to Frank’s lap or takes a nap. Occasionally, he’ll join in or do silly multiple spins.

Hooray! Then it’s time to get away on Friday.

At our Amagansett house I relax. But when the weekend is over, it’s time to go back.

I miss the city, but Long Island sure is pretty. The saltwater, the green grass, the trees, and the sand . . . Why, it’s simply grand!

The expansive landscape suits Raymond and Grace.

They sip Mimosas on the deck and view the sunset. Or a Martini or Margarita for my senor and senorita . . .

My parents act chill, and robins perch on my bedroom windowsill. They sing sweet melodies that are lovely to me. But when I talk to the birds, they don’t understand my words.

The Long Island ducks paddle and quack, and refreshing water trickles on my back. The mallard and his wife seem to have a good life.

Swimming the doggie paddle in my pool is so cool.

And the beach is within a paw’s reach. The soft sand against my poodle hair is beyond compare.

My fave is jumping into the smaller waves. A splash here and there -- Atlantic Ocean water is everywhere.

My love and I play during the day, stroll in the morning sun, or take a run.

Feeling free, I even catch a Frisbee.

A Manhattan poodle is East End on the weekends.

Mom prefers I wear a floppy hat, and sometimes I get sunscreen, which gives my white coat a sheen.

My shorter summer hair makes me feel bare. But make no mistake, Ricardo admires my shape.

To dad I thank since he barbecues rib eyes, burgers and franks. Trying to avoid spills, he carefully grills.

I don’t want to be rude, but I sneak in extra food. After I devour a lot of meat, I’ve had too much to eat! But make no mistake, I can't resist steak.

Raymond’s a great hamburger flipper and a super skipper. Daddy’s the captain of our boat, and I like to float, in my built-in pool, that is. And I am like a carefree kid.

He unwinds here. I have even seen him sipping a beer! Granted the brew is from Europe, but, hey pop, what’s up? Usually it’s New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc or French Chablis for the father of me.

Now that we are out of town, he sometimes puts his laptop down. Trades his Blackberry for blueberries. He eats the fruit like they’re going out of style, and that makes mom and me smile.

Dad’s pals have Hamptons houses nearby, so they fraternize, Zoom, or use Skype. So, pop’s finance work is still on his mind, but he’s calm and kind.

Mommy works it in alluring miniskirts. She adds flirty tops and cute flip-flops. Or she puts on strappy heels and maxi dresses, and tosses her wavy tresses. Her hair smells like the beach, and she bites into a peach.

She saunters over to dad to get him in an affectionate mood. He might be preoccupied, but Grace has other things on her mind.

Raymond gets distracted and attracted. He gives Grace a tender embrace. Then come kisses for the Mr. and Mrs. . . .

I appear to snoop, but I just want the scoop. Innocent moi, looking? I just want to see what's cooking, in the romance department, that is. I mean, I'm their poodle kid.

I’m proud of my pappy, and mommy looks so happy.

Summer is casting its spell. Can’t you tell?

Ricardo and me are sort of like Grease’s Danny and Sandy. I can wear a pink poodle skirt, pink bows, and Ricardo can slick back his black hair. Do we dare?

My boyfriend, one of a kind, says I’m always on his mind. How lucky could a poodle be? And that caniche is me!

When my love and me snuggle on summer nights, everything is more than right.

The mood is sublime, and I forget about time.

The beautiful scent of gardenias suggest romance. Ricardo asks me: ‘Simone, how about a dance?’ We sway as the dreamy music plays.

Even my Chihuahua city walking partner, Mojito, is more at ease. Is it the warm breeze?

Frank wishes Mojito could always be mellow, instead of an incorrigible fella. For a tiny Chihuahua, he’s got a yappy bow-wow.

When we stroll in the city, Mojito says I’m very pretty. He dreams of my being his girl, even though he knows I have Ricardo.

Wish I was just Mojito’s summer crush, but nothing such. He’s just too much. He wants me all-year round - - says that I’m the best pooch he’s ever found!

The Chihuahua envisions a big harem with me as his Number One wife. Keep dreaming, Mojito, and get a life! Find a dog already, even if she’s not a steady. It’s no exaggeration that he has a crazy imagination!

Can’t blame Mojito for desiring poodle me, but I’m content as can be.

These summer days are the best of all, and I feel 1000 feet tall!

Happy, safe, and healthy Summer to everyone!

Here’s hoping you have loads of fun, and that the best is yet to come!

Ete Heureux!

It’s a wrap, and now it’s time for my Summer nap!’"

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