DENVER -- August 25, 2009

Today's the day! Bestselling author Dean Koontz has published his first non-fiction book and it's about his beloved Trixie. "A Big Little Life: Memoir of a Joyful Dog" hits the bookstores today and I can't wait to read it. Trixie was a CCI service dog who retired early for medical reasons. She adopted Dean and Gerda Koontz and their lives were never the same.

Now, you may be thinking that I wrote that sentence backwards, that I really meant to say that Dean and Gerda adopted Trixie, but of course it was the other way around. She had big plans, Trixie did. She changed Dean and Gerda's perceptions of animals and the animal-human bond. She made sure that CCI became an important part of their lives, to the extent that they have donated millions of dollars to CCI; the Southwest Regional Center is now called the Dean, Gerda and Trixie Koontz Campus. Trixie taught many wonderful lessons in the 9 years she lived with Dean and Gerda.

Living with a prolific writer influenced Trixie, too. She has written three books of her own: Life is Good: Lessons in Joyful Living, Christmas is Good, and Bliss to You. I highly recommend all of them. Trixie has a wicked sense of humor, which is sometimes necessary when dealing with humans. She is also wise and insightful. All proceeds from Trixie's books and "A Big Little Life" are donated to CCI. How wonderful is that?

Sadly, Trixie passed away in the summer of 2007, but her joyful spirit lives on. Check out Dean's website for more about Trixie and Anna, their newly adopted released CCI dog. (Hmmm, maybe if I get released from the program I could go live with Dean and Gerda too?)

Chow for now!

Ross

Questions or comments for Ross? Send him an e-mail!

Would you like more information about Canine Companions for Independence or perhaps be a puppy raiser? Call 1-800-572-BARK or go to CCI for details.