Children encounter dogs wherever they go: in the park, on the sidewalk, at their friends’ homes. Sometimes it’s love at first sight, on both sides-but not always. The right way for a child to approach a dog to ensure that the first connection is a complete success begins with this question to the owner: ‘May I pet your dog?’ Using Harry the dachshund as a gentle guide, the author addresses this valuable yet overlooked topic with care and precision.