A Big Little Life: A Memoir of a Joyful Dog Named Trixie

In a profound, funny, and beautifully rendered portrait of a beloved companion, bestselling novelist Dean Koontz remembers the golden retriever who changed his life. A retired service dog, Trixie was three when Dean and his wife, Gerda, welcomed her into their home. She was superbly trained, but her greatest gifts couldn’t be taught: her keen intelligence, her innate joy, and an uncanny knack for living in the moment. Whether chasing a tennis ball or protecting those she loved, Trixie gave all she had to everything she did, inspiring Dean and Gerda to trust their instincts and recapture a sense of wonder that will remain with them always. Trixie lived fewer than twelve years; in this wide world, she was a little thing. But in every way that mattered, she lived a big life.

“A humorous, poignant portrait of [a] remarkable dog.” —Kirkus Reviews

“One dog book that everyone...will deeply enjoy.” —Booklist (starred review)

“A delightful read...an unusually effective brief for the joy that dogs bring us.” —The American Spectator

“A tender, insightful, loving homage...an inspirational book of love, hope and humor.” —Bookreporter.com