Ralph Winter (“X-Men”) and Terry Botwick have fetched feature rights to Dean Koontz’s Trixie property through their 1019 Entertainment banner and are developing the doggie story as a family comedy.

Stephanie Fitch Groff has been tapped to write the screenplay about Trixie — Koontz’s real-life golden retriever, who’s the subject of his memoir A Big Little Life. The canine is also “author” of Bliss to You and the star of a series of children’s picture books written by Koontz and illustrated by Janet Cleland, the first of which is I, Trixie Who Is Dog.

Trixie was also featured last year in a branded summer promotion in the PetSmart chain with 33 different products for dogs. All author proceeds from Trixie’s ventures are donated to Canine Companions for Independence — the organization from which Koontz adopted Trixie.

The “Trixie” feature will be produced by Winter and Botwick along with 1019 exec Whitney Thomas.

“Stephanie Groff and Ralph, Terry and Whitney so understand the Trixie character that I know I have entrusted my beloved pooch’s reputation to people who will do her proud,” Koontz said.

Groff is also developing romantic comedy “Homewrecker” for 1019 Entertainment.

The deal for Trixie comes five months after Winter and Botwick snagged feature rights to Koontz’s Frankenstein, his bestselling tale of a socially prominent and successful businessman and his super-human original creation in modern-day New Orleans (Daily Variety, Feb. 16).

1019 has several projects in development including Paul Verhoeven’s “The Surrogate,” starring Halle Berry, and action thriller “Man and Wife” in conjunction with Peter Chernin and with Akiva Goldsman directing. The company’s completing “Cool It,” a doc inspired by Bjorn Lomborg, Danish author of 2003’s “The Skeptical Environmentalist.”

By DAVE MCNARY, Variety

Read this delightful picture book from bestselling author Dean Koonz and illustrator Janet Cleland. I, TRIXIE WHO IS DOG reveals the joys of doghood through the eyes of Dean’s beloved golden retriever Trixie. Dean Koontz gives readers a fun, lighthearted glimpse into the imagination of Trixie, whose quirky narration and irrepressible spirit will delight readers young and old. More information.

A BIG LITTLE LIFE: A MEMOIR OF A JOYFUL DOG, on sale August 25th, tells tells the story of unexpectedly falling in love with a dog named Trixie. She weighed only sixty-something pounds, Dean occasionally called her Short-stuff, and she lived less than twelve years. In this big world, she was a little thing, but in all the ways that mattered, including the effect she had on those who loved her, she lived a big life.

“Trixie was joyful, affectionate, comical, intelligent, remarkably well behaved. She was also more self-possessed and dignified than I had ever realized a dog could be” says Dean. “Already and unexpectedly, she has changed me as a person and as a writer. I am only beginning to understand the nature of those changes and where they will lead me.”

A service dog with Canine Companions for Independence, Trixie retired at three to become an assistance dog of another kind. She taught Dean to trust his instincts, persuaded him to cut down to a fifty-hour work week, and, perhaps most importantly, renewed in him a sense of wonder that will remain with him for the rest of his life.

Dogs live most life in Quiet Heart. Humans live mostly next door in Desperate Heart. Now and then will do you good to live in our zip code.

Trixie Koontz, BLISS TO YOU.

See Dean’s video memoir of Trixie.

On the heels of her bestselling book, BLISS TO YOU, Trixie (spirit dog) has launched her very own website. It’s full of Trixie’s news, reviews and her own opinions on important issues like sausages, joy (sometimes on the joy of sausages), friends, why dogs should drive, and the meaning of life. Trixie reports to us from the Other Side, and what she has learned there brings meaning and humor to all. Don’t miss Dean’s video memoir about Trixie and his latest book – A BIG LITTLE LIFE: A Memoir of a Joyful Dog — and Trixie’s opinion of it, on the Home Page.

She also has produced her own video about her new site. There’s plenty of good stuff to see – the family scrapbook, Trixie style and fashions, her profile and more! Plus, all of her insightful (and funny) books — including Dean’s storybook series which debuts next month with I, TRIXIE WHO IS DOG. We hope you enjoy Trixie’s new site. Please visit often for updates from our favorite “golden” girl.

Read more news.

You won’t want to miss the heartwarming memoir of a very special dog coming this summer from the bestselling author Dean Koontz.

Trixie weighed only sixty-something pounds, Dean occasionally called her Short-stuff, and she lived less than twelve years. In this big world, she was a little thing, but in all the ways that mattered, including the effect she had on those who loved her, she lived a big life. More information.

Visit your local PetSmart during July and August and look for the display of exclusive Good Dog Trixie Koontz™ products. The 31 unique items for pets and their parents were inspired by Trixie’s Bliss to You book. The Dog Bliss You Collection ranges from squeaky toys and apparel to practical food bowls and storage canisters. Pet parents will appreciate photo frames, albums, and journal. Don’t forget that Trixie donates all royalties to Canine Companions for Independence (CCI).

Oh Behave! Podcasts are all about achieving harmony in the household for everyone: people and their four-legged friends. Host, Arden Moore interviews Dean about his special relationship with Trixie, how dogs have impacted his writing, and his new dog Anna. Click here to listen.

Trixie is spreading blissings to her human and furry friends with her new book, BLISS TO YOU: TRIXIE’S GUIDE TO A HAPPY LIFE, and she’s making a fashion statement with her heavenly new Blissings line of products. Trixie’s first foray into the world of style is her fashion forward dog leash and collar. They are the perfect accessories for almost every occasion – probably not the best thing to wear while bathing. The stunningly colorful ensemble will make your favorite furry friend the envy of all – especially cats! More information.

Thanks to the many fans who entered the contest which ended September 15. Check out all the winners of Trixie’s Super Dog Contest by clicking here.

Dean’s first signing of Trixie’s new book, BLISS TO YOU will take place on the Dean, Gerda, and Trixie Koontz Campus of Canine Companions for Independence (CCI) in Oceanside, California. Trixie Koontz was retired from her career as a CCI assistance dog following shoulder surgery. She donates her author profits to CCI. This is your chance to hear Dean speak, see CCI training firsthand, and take home one of the first signed copies of Trixie’s new book. The event will be held on Sept. 20 (2008) and begins at 11 am at CCI’s Southwest Regional Center, 124 Rancho del Oro Drive, Oceanside, CA. Call 760-901-4300 if you have questions.