Mr. Dash is a mongrel with manners who always puts "his best paw forward." He lives with Madame Croissant who owns a gift shop and spends evenings working on her stamp collection. Mister Dash relishes peace and quiet. But much to his dismay, Sundays are when Madame Croissant's granddaughter Daphne comes to visit. She is a wild child, and he tries to stay as far away from her as he can. But Daphne insists on hugging and then playing with him outside. Frustrated that she is in his dog house, Mister Dash acts up, and then suffers the indignity of a bath administered by the little girl. Despite all the disagreeable things Mister Dash experiences at the hands of Daphne, he demonstrates why dogs are called humankind's best friends.

Monica Kulling has written a captivating story that is beautifully illustrated by Esperanca Melo. It is designed for children 3 to 6 years old. It is never too early to teach little boys and girls about the practice of manners. Here Mister Dash is the tutor who patiently goes through some irritating situations before demonstrating his kindness in a very visible way. The virtue of courtesy comes across loud and clear in Merci Mister Dash.