Twelve fluffy pups adventure as they explore the wonders of Roosevelt Island
By Jim Luce
On a bright spring morning in New York City, Mrs. Chen gathered her dozen little Shih Tzu puppies for their grand walk around Roosevelt Island. Their tails curled tightly like fresh cinnamon rolls, and their coats shimmered soft and fluffy, like tufts of summer clouds drifting across the sky.
The puppies—named affectionately Ling, Mei, Bao, Juno, Kai, Luna, Milo, Noodle, Poppy, Quinn, Riley, and Sunny—bounced with excitement, their tiny paws pattering in eager rhythm.
“Come along, my little ones,” said Mrs. Chen gently, clipping colorful leashes to their harnesses. “Today we shall explore our beautiful island from end to end. Stay close and let us see what adventures await.”
Crossing Main Street
The family lived in a cozy apartment building near the middle of the island. Their first challenge came quickly: to reach the river promenade, they needed to cross the busy road beside the historic Good Shepherd Chapel. The little dogs lined up neatly and stepped into the crosswalk—tip-tap, tip-tap—twelve pairs of delicate paws echoing softly on the pavement.
Suddenly, a yellow taxi honked loudly. A delivery scooter screeched to a halt. The puppies froze, their big dark eyes wide with surprise.
Mrs. Chen raised her hand calmly. But before traffic could resume, Officer Ramos from the Roosevelt Island Public Safety Department strode into the intersection. With a confident wave of her arms, she halted every vehicle—cars, bikes, and electric scooters alike.
“Stop right there!” she called with a warm smile. “Make way for Shih Tzu!”
Drivers grinned and waited patiently as the fluffy procession crossed safely. Some even waved or snapped quick photos. The puppies wagged their tails in thanks, and soon the pack was trotting happily toward the heart of the island.
Blossoms and the Soaring Tram
Next, they strolled along the lovely cherry tree promenade on the eastern waterfront. Pink blossoms fluttered down like gentle snowflakes, carpeting the path in soft petals. The little Shih Tzu sneezed delightedly as flowers landed on their noses.
High overhead, the iconic red Roosevelt Island Tramway cabins glided smoothly along their cables, zipping commuters between the island and Manhattan. The puppies tilted their heads back, watching in awe as the bright cars soared against the blue sky. “Zippity-zing!” yipped little Bao, trying to mimic the sound.
Through a chain-link fence, the family peeked at the peaceful Wildlife Freedom Foundation Cat Sanctuary in Southpoint Park. Dozens of sleek feral cats lounged in the sun, stretching lazily on platforms and in cozy shelters. The cats glanced curiously at the fluffy visitors but remained aloof, napping peacefully in their protected haven.
The School Crossing Adventure
The walk continued southward. Soon, the pack approached the crosswalk in front of the Roosevelt Island School. The dismissal bell was moments away, and cars lined up to collect children.
But Mr. Ray, the dedicated school crossing guard, spotted the approaching parade of pups. He marched boldly into the street, holding up his bright stop sign.
“Halt, everyone!” he boomed cheerfully. “Make way for Shih Tzu!”
Vehicles stopped instantly. Excited schoolchildren pressed against the windows, pointing and cooing at the adorable dogs. The twelve Shih Tzu pattered across, leashes jingling like tiny bells, tails wagging in proud procession.
Campus Strolls and Ferry Sights
Onward they marched, passing the leafy campus of Cornell Tech, where students sat on the grass with laptops and books. Some paused to admire the fluffy troop, offering gentle pats and compliments.
The path led to the bustling Roosevelt Island Ferry dock. One vessel departed, filled with young professionals heading to Manhattan offices. Another arrived, bursting with tourists eager to explore New York City’s hidden gems. The air hummed with scents of fresh coffee, salty river breeze, and international chatter. The puppies sniffed curiously, their noses twitching at the exciting mix.
Playtime in the Park
“Tired yet, my darlings?” asked Mrs. Chen. The puppies yipped enthusiastically—no! “Then let us visit the new dog park for a proper romp.”
At Commons East, the island’s newest green space, Mrs. Chen unclipped the leashes. The gate swung open, and freedom unleashed! Twelve Shih Tzu exploded into joyful chaos. They dashed up ramps, tumbled down slides, leaped over low bridges, and chased one another in dizzy circles. Sunny claimed the highest platform as “King of the Hill,” only to be gently toppled by a playful pile-on from siblings. Barks of pure delight echoed across the park as tails spun like helicopter blades.
Other island dogs joined the fun—a golden retriever, a pair of poodles, and a curious beagle. Soon, the space filled with a whirlwind of wagging, wrestling, and happy panting. Mrs. Chen sat on a bench, laughing as her pups reveled in off-leash bliss.
Wonders by the Water
After an hour of exuberant play, the family clipped leashes once more and headed homeward. Their route took them beneath the massive shadow of the Queensboro Bridge (known to locals as the 59th Street Bridge), its steel arches rumbling with passing traffic far above.
As they paused along the western promenade, Mrs. Chen pointed to the East River. “Look closely, little ones!”
There, gliding gracefully through the water, bobbed a sleek harbor seal. Its shiny head popped up, whiskers glistening, as it curiously eyed the shore. Nearby, mallards and geese paddled calmly, accustomed to such visitors in the cleaner waters of recent years. Suddenly, a mighty honk filled the air—a grand V-formation of Canada geese soared overhead, migrating northward.
The Shih Tzu sat mesmerized, tiny heads tilted skyward until the geese vanished into distant specks.
The sun dipped lower, casting golden light across the island. The puppies, now pleasantly weary, followed Mrs. Chen back to their apartment. Twelve bowls of cool water awaited, alongside twelve soft beds piled with blankets.
They had discovered their entire wonderful island—the chapel, the blossoms, the soaring tram, the cat sanctuary, the school, the campus, the ferry, the dog park, and even a seal in the river.
All because kind islanders always remembered to…
Make Way for Shih Tzu!
Heartfelt thanks to Robert McCloskey for his timeless classic Make Way for Ducklings (1941), set in
Boston’s beloved Public Garden where I played as a child. His charming tale of a duck family parading
through the city inspired my own fluffy adventure, Make Way for Shih Tzu!, where twelve playful pups explore
the wonders of Roosevelt Island in New York City. From one storyteller to a legend—grateful for the spark!
Summary
On Roosevelt Island in New York City, Mrs. Chen takes her twelve adorable Shih Tzu puppies on a grand walk. They cross busy streets with help from kind Officer Ramos and school guard Mr. Ray, who stop traffic shouting “Make way for Shih Tzu!” The fluffy pack admires cherry blossoms, the soaring tramway, a cat sanctuary, Cornell Tech campus, and the ferry dock. They romp joyfully in the new dog park, then spot a seal and migrating geese by the East River. A heartwarming adventure celebrating community and island wonders.
Social Media
Facebook: Discover the charming children’s story “Make Way for Shih Tzu!” by Jim Luce – a fluffy twist on a classic, set on beautiful Roosevelt Island with twelve playful pups and kind helpers stopping traffic. Perfect for young readers who love dogs and New York adventures! Read the full tale and share with your family.
Instagram: 🐶✨ Twelve fluffy Shih Tzu puppies explore Roosevelt Island in this adorable new story “Make Way for Shih Tzu!” by Jim Luce. From cherry blossoms and the iconic tram to a joyful dog park romp – pure cuteness! Inspired by a timeless classic. Perfect bedtime read for little animal lovers. #ChildrensBooks #ShihTzu #RooseveltIsland
LinkedIn: Proud to share my latest children’s story, “Make Way for Shih Tzu!” – a heartwarming tale inspired by Robert McCloskey’s classic, featuring a dozen Shih Tzu puppies adventuring across Roosevelt Island. It highlights community kindness, urban nature, and the joy of exploration. Ideal for families, educators, and dog enthusiasts interested in New York stories.
X / Twitter: New children’s story alert! “Make Way for Shih Tzu!” by Jim Luce: Twelve fluffy pups waddle around Roosevelt Island, with traffic stopping to let them pass. Cherry blossoms, tram rides, cat sanctuary, dog park fun & a seal sighting! A cute NYC adventure.
BlueSky: Just released: “Make Way for Shih Tzu!” – my children’s story about Mrs. Chen and her dozen Shih Tzu puppies discovering the magic of Roosevelt Island. Kind officers stop cars, pups play wildly, and wildlife surprises await. A feel-good read for kids and dog lovers alike!