Hey There, Adventure Lover!
Hi, I’m Renae!
I’m a lifelong animal lover, equestrian, and now, thanks to one very special German Shepherd, a children’s book author.
Sarge was my best friend, adventure buddy, and constant companion. He loved going to camp, where his days were filled with swimming, boating, fishing, exploring, and finding plenty of mischief along the way.
The idea for this book actually began while Sarge and I were sitting together on the dock at camp. I remember thinking that his big personality and love for adventure belonged in a children’s book. At the time, it was simply a fun idea—one of those dreams you tell yourself you’ll get around to someday.
After unexpectedly losing Sarge, “someday” became something much more important.
I decided to bring his story to life as a way to honor him and keep his adventurous spirit going. While Sarge may no longer be here beside me, I hope that through these pages, he gets to keep running through the woods, jumping off the dock, riding in the boat, and making new friends for many years to come.
Most of all, I hope Sarge inspires children and families to get outside, explore, love their animals fiercely, and make as many adventures together as they possibly can.
Sarge’s greatest adventure may have inspired this book—but his story is only just beginning.
Meet Sarge: a dog with a nose for Adventure.
Meet Sarge—a loyal German Shepherd with a big heart, a curious nose, and a love for adventure!
There’s no place Sarge loves more than his camp in the beautiful Caratunk Maine. From boat rides and fishing trips to swimming with the loons and exploring the forest, every day brings something new to discover.
Inspired by the adventures of a very real and very loved dog, Sarge’s story is a celebration of friendship, the great outdoors, and the memories we make along the way.
So grab your sense of adventure and come along—Sarge is ready to explore!
From Real Life to Storybook
Behind every Sarge adventure is a little piece of real life.
The Sarge you see in these pages was inspired by the real dog who loved days at camp, adventures on the lake, and simply being wherever his family was. From his unmistakable expressions to his curious personality and love for the outdoors, we wanted his storybook character to feel unmistakably like him.
When creating his storybook world, we wanted to capture more than what Sarge looked like. We wanted to capture what it felt like to know him.
His curiosity became adventure.
His expressions became illustrations.
His favorite places became storybook scenes.
And the little moments that made Sarge Sarge became pieces of a world that children can now explore alongside him.
Look closely throughout his adventures and you may find pieces of real life tucked between the pages—from the Maine woods and quiet lake water to the wildlife, fishing trips, and places Sarge once explored himself.
The world may be illustrated, but the heart behind every adventure belongs to the real Sarge. 🐾
