"John Steinbeck and his beloved Charley have nothing on Gregory Edmont and his sophisticated Dalmation, J.P. . . . they take us on a funny, mesmerizing, and unexpectedly poignant adventure."--Jon Katz, author of "The New Work of Dogs" "Wonderful and quite funny . . ."--"Chicago Tribune" "An entertaining and fast-paced tale of adventure . . ."--"Dog Fancy" (starred review) "The numerous endearing and eccentric characters will have the reader in stitches . . . magical."--"Library Journal" Gregory Edmont is just another American sojourning in Paris . . . until he adopts a sophisticated Dalmation named J.P. Suddenly his life is charmed: He's met with smiles every time he and J.P. step out, acquaintances become friends, and the City of Lights becomes home. The good fortune continues as the rest of France beckons, and the duo set off on a mission of love. They leap to action after a call from the eccentric Dalmatian breeder, MadamebClix: J.P.'s services are needed to sire a new litter of puppies in Provence. The adventure begins with a near-arrest, as the French authorities question the legality of a two-wheeling Dalmation. They escape, but the roller coaster of a journey includes a breakdown or two, a coven of witches (who thankfully possess scooterrepairing skills), eleven-course meals at five-star restaurants (J.P. is served from a silver platter), a cleaver-bearing butcher's wife, and much more. When they finally arrive at their destination, they discover the power of love . . . just not quite asanyone expected. Amusing and poignant, it examines the role of fate in our lives and surprises us with its unexpected twists and turns.