A Sea Dog's Tale: The True Story of a Small Dog on a Big Ocean Paperback – June 30, 2012

This guy is a very good writer. I enjoyed both of his books. I don't know why he hasn't published more. If you like sailing stories, this is good stuff.

This is a book about a brave and clever soul, his adventurous life, and his impact upon the life of a family. It is also about sailing and enjoying life. I had heard some of Santos' stories before, but reading about him was a great treat. Peter Muilenberg has done a great job as an author, he kept the sailing talk to a minimum, and told a simple story in such a way that even a non native speaker such as I had a great time throughout. Sailors and non sailors alike, dog lovers, cat lovers, people who do not love animals, everybody is bound to find a piece of themselves in this wonderfully told, funny and interesting story. The fact that all of it is true makes it even more fascinating. The memory of Santos and his life will remain in my mind forever. Thank you Peter, for sharing.

Peter completely whisks you to the Virgin Islands with tale of his family and his loyal companionA sailors take on travels with Charley

This was a really cute story. It got a little wordy at times describing the surroundings and the beauty of nature, etc. but overall, a quick read and a very accurate depiction of life with a Schipperke.

Peter Muilenburg tells a spellbinding story of his own life while focussing on his dog, a Belgian schipperke named Santos, bred to live on boats. Both the author and the dog are irresistible. Peter's is a life well lead as he goes from an Ivy league college in the turbulent 60s to teaching on a Caribbean island while building one of the sturdiest wooden sailboats (Breath) ever designed on a local beach with local labor to traveling much of the world as a charter. The boat, the dog and the author/owner and his family are all unique individually and become inter-dependent in ways that lead to multiple colorful adventures in many places in which Santos is often the leading character. Anyone who likes dogs, boats, sailing, true stories of self-reliance or of a successful family life lived way outside the mainstream will find this book a fascinating read. As one who took one of these trips on Breath with Peter, Santos and 3 others, I can attest that all Peter describes is real. But this is not just another man and dog story. The book, like the real life experiences it describes, will force a re-examination of all the values and priorities that become so ingrained in our daily lives and what we are missing by not living a life like the ones depicted here.

A wonderful book, well written and gripping, about an amazing little dog and his equally amazing family. Suitable for both adults, interested in sailing, and young people.Over the years, have read many of Peter Muilenburg's articles; he's a regular contributor to Caribbean sailing publications. His articles are always professionally written and enjoyable reads. Was privileged to met Santos, a well know sailing character in our territory, who enjoyed special privileges because he was - Santos.Schipperke enthusiasts (on my third, also a sailing dog) recognize the title is a sly joke - Schipperke's have no tail! They also have no sense that they are very small - "a hamster in wolf's clothing" and "Canine, the barbarian" are both apt descriptions of these little black devils.For those who dream of, or wonder, what life is like on a boat, this is one of the best modern descriptions in print. Problems and challenges are presented and solved, the key is to never, ever panic.Thank you Peter!

Real adventure on the high seas of a family living a hard life in a big boat and a beloved pet who was part of the crew. Great description of the cruising life and the sacrifices this family made to follow their dreams.

I am only one-third through this book but I decided to review it now. It claims to be the biography of a Schipperke, however it is so much more. It is the story of a couple from New England who pursue the Frostian "Road Less Traveled", by taking their Ivy League degrees to St. John in the Virgin Islands where they worked, built a boat, sailed away, raised a family, and returned to the Virgin Islands, all the while accompanied by one of the most personable dogs you could ever hope to meet, a Schipperke named Santos.Santos is no "Lassie". He rarely does as he's told, he's always into mischief, he has energy and gumption of a dog five times his size. Yet he becomes a vital part of the family, offering protection, navigational help, and unswerving loyalty.If you like stories about animals or if you have ever wondered about a life in the tropics or a life at sea, do read this book.Addendum: I finished the book and I've increased my rating to 5 stars. A good read from start to finish.

I loved this book. I am "owned" by a Schipperke and was entranced by the story. Santos was an amazing dog and the author captured all of the breeds impish behavious. I would highly recommend the book. Only downside: I wish there was another book about Santos and hhs family.

This is a gift but I peeked and cant wait to read it.