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 twelve little Shih Tzu puppies for a grand walk around Roosevelt Island.
Their tails curled like fresh cinnamon rolls, and their soft, fluffy coats looked like summer clouds drifting across a blue sky. One by one, they wiggled with excitement—Ling, Mei, Bao, Juno, Kai, Luna, Milo, Noodle, Poppy, Quinn, Riley, and Sunny—tiny paws pattering in a happy, eager rhythm.
“Come along, my little ones,” Mrs. Chen said gently, clipping colorful leashes onto their harnesses. “Today we explore our beautiful island from end to end. Stay close—and let’s see what adventures await.”
🚦 Crossing Main Street
To reach the river promenade, they first had to cross a busy road beside the historic Good Shepherd Chapel.
Tip-tap, tip-tap—twelve pairs of delicate paws stepped into the crosswalk.
Suddenly—HONK!
A yellow taxi blared.
A delivery scooter screeched to a stop.
The puppies froze. Big, dark eyes widened.
Just then, Officer Ramos of the Roosevelt Island Public Safety Department strode confidently into the intersection. With one smooth wave of her arms, she stopped everything—cars, bikes, scooters.
“Hold it right there!” she called with a grin.
“Make way for Shih Tzu!”
Drivers laughed. Some waved. A few snapped quick photos. And the fluffy procession crossed safely, tails wagging proudly all the way to the other side.
🌸 Blossoms and the Soaring Tram
Soon they reached the eastern promenade, lined with cherry trees in full bloom. Pink petals floated down like gentle snow, carpeting the path—and landing on noses.
High above, the red Roosevelt Island Tram glided through the sky, carrying commuters between Manhattan and the island.
“Zippity-zing!” yipped Bao, trying to copy the tram’s swoosh as it sailed past.
Nearby, the pups glimpsed sleek cats lounging at the Wildlife Freedom Foundation Cat Sanctuary, eyes blinking lazily at their fluffy visitors before drifting back to sleep.
🛴 School Crossing and Campus Paths
At Roosevelt Island School dismissal time, Mr. Ray, the cheerful crossing guard, spotted the parade of pups and stopped the cars with a big wave and a bright sign. “Make way for Shih Tzu!” …and children laughed and pointed as the twelve trotted across.
They ambled past Cornell Tech’s campus, where students smiled and offered gentle pats.
At the ferry dock, boats rocked with commuters and tourists, while aromas of coffee and river breeze filled the air.
🐾 Playtime at the Park
At Commons East, the leashes came off and—chaos bloomed.
The puppies raced up ramps, tumbled down slides, and chased one another in circles. Sunny declared himself King of the Hill—until a joyful puppy pile-on toppled him with laughter and barks.
Other dogs joined in: a golden retriever, two poodles, a curious beagle. Mrs. Chen watched from a bench, laughing as tails spun like little helicopter blades.
🌅 Wonders by the Water
As the afternoon softened, they clipped back into their leashes and headed home along the western promenade beneath the Queensboro Bridge. In the river, a harbor seal surfaced, whiskers gleaming; mallards paddled nearby; and high above, a V-formation of Canada geese honked as they flew north.
By sunset, twelve bowls of cool water, twelve soft beds, and twelve tired, happy puppies awaited at home. They had seen chapel and blossoms, tram and sanctuary, school and campus, ferry and park, river and sky—all because kind neighbors remembered to say—
Make way for Shih Tzu!
Author’s Note
With gratitude to Robert McCloskey’s Make Way for Ducklings (1941), a story I loved growing up in Boston’s Public Garden. His gentle celebration of animals, city life, and kindness inspired this fluffy Roosevelt Island adventure.
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!