Essays

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.