How to implement a robust DAO layer in C++

I am at the first time creating a huge program in C++ for my company and I want to create a good pattern to connect into my MySql db. I these problems:

-I can't decide which pattern should be used, my first idea was DAO pattern.. -I can't find a good examples of data access pattern in C++, I know it should be independently of language but I couldn't find even a robust DAO pattern example with a good exception handling etc... Commonly are only two classes (obj1->obj2) on very small environment.

If someone knows good sources or any tips I will be very glad =D

Thanks in advanced.