A Big Little Life

A Memoir of a Joyful Dog Named Trixie

By: Dean Koontz

Narrated by: Christopher Lane

Length: 6 hrs and 37 mins

Publisher's summary

In a profound, funny, and beautifully rendered portrait of a beloved companion, best-selling 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 12 years; in this wide world, she was a little thing. But in every way that mattered, she lived a big life.

©2011 Dean Koontz (P)2012 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

"A humorous, poignant portrait of [a] remarkable dog." ( Kirkus Reviews)

"One dog book that everyone... will deeply enjoy.” ( Booklist)

"A delightful read...an unusually effective brief for the joy that dogs bring us.” ( The American Spectator)

Surprisingly amazing!

As a dog parent, I was skeptical of a whole book about a dog. How wrong I was. This book kept me laughing, nodding in agreement, or sniffling. I highly recommend it!

Lovely but sad

A lovely story about a family member who captures your heart. Must listen to the last chapter as it brings peace.

A Big BIG Life!

This book was my introduction to the wonderful world of Dean Koontz. I admit I have never been much into the genre of crime writing, and knew of Dean's writing for many years. When I saw his name as the author of this book, I was intrigued and took the leap of faith to hear this story. BOY was I ever converted as a new super-fan of his writing! Here Dean shares his personal journey with his beloved Golden Retriever Trixie, who became his and Gerda's daughter and gave him joy for the 12 years she was in their life. Dean was inspired to keep writing with dogs in the stories, especially Goldens, and I am looking forward to enjoying more great stories!

For dog lovers!

This is the most beautiful story of loving a dog I have heard. Any dog lover will appreciate the connection and honest representation of what it's like to have loved one of these beautiful creatures. Very well done

Very touching story!

What a sweet, touching story this is.
I laughed, I cried and I reflected on the many gold nuggets of wisdom and insight offered in this story.
If you love dogs, if you have had a special relationship with an animal, you delight in this account of a dog’s life and the people who loved and cared for her!

Touching

I only have a couple things to say. You with laugh, it will make you feel happy and you will cry.

What a totally unexpected and very touching story

While listening to this book I was transported to the Koontz home and feel like I knew Trixie. The story brought back wonderful memories of our own furry angel. Thank you for a beautiful peek into your life, for sharing Trixie and for refreshing the memories of our beloved Chloe. I will definitely look for the books penned by Trixie. They sound absolutely delightful.

A real treat for dog lovers

I absolutely loved this book. It’s been a while since I have read any of Mr. Koontz books, and now I remember one of the reasons I enjoyed them so much before. I love the humorous way he tells a story.

Learning to love the mystery of life

This is the heartfelt love story of real people and their dog.
It is Beautiful, happy and tearful. Just so.

GREAT book

The reader has a good voice and the book is great. Anyone who is a dog person would love this book
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