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If you see a goggle-wearing Dalmatian on a Vespa scooter riding the streets of France with his human, you might have spotted JP and owner Gregory Edmont. The duo traveled from Paris through the French countryside on a mission of love while partaking in beautiful sights and fine French cuisine along the way. Edmont, an author and writer for film and television, documented their enchanting adventures in Spotted in France. As a young American writer living in Paris, Edmont found himself on the outside of French people and culture. While contemplating leaving the City of Lights, Edmont adopts a liver-spotted Dalmatian puppy he names Jarny-Prince du Bois-de-Tanagra, "Prince of Springtime," or JP. Suddenly, life takes a different turn. "Locals, who had seemingly never noticed me, began to smile and even approach me when I was with JP." Their adventure begins when the eccentric breeder Madame Clix extends an invitation and financial opportunity for JP to sire a litter of puppies in the south of France, they are nearly arrested by authorities questioning the legality of a Vespa-traveling Dalmatian. Escaping only by a hair, they resume towards their destination, encountering a few more close calls and meeting interesting locals along the way. Luckily, JP's charm helps the pair dig themselves out of several predicaments. When they stumble upon a coven of witches after a breakdown on the road, JP's participation in a white magic spell is bartered for one of the witches' scooter-repairing skills. "Not only did JP sit still, but he actually slept through the spells, which involved the burning of incense, splashing water from the Allier [river] over everyone including him, and reciting simple incantations in the form of a prayer to God." After a thrilling ride, Edmont and JP reach Madame's estate and learn a tragic secret explaining the importance of their journey and especially of JP's role in Madame's future. As JP is encouraged to take his first step to "manhood," there is a surprising twist. With plans of his own, JP shows everyone that love is not just for humans, but for the dogs!
Spotted in France would not
be complete without the description
of the fine French restaurants JP
and Edmont dined at alone the way.
The savory
accounts of their meals and snacks,
especially that of cheeses, is sure
to incite cravings!
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Copyright
© 2006, The Lyons Press, An Imprint of the Globe Pequot Press
| Design by LeAnna
Weller Smith |
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