Dean Koontz thought he had everything he needed. A novelist for nearly forty years, with more than twenty #1 New York Times bestsellers to his credit, his career was thriving. He had been married to his high school sweetheart, Gerda, since the age of twenty, and together they had forged a happy life for themselves in their Southern California home. It was the picture of peace and contentment. Then along came Trixie. Dean had been researching his novel Midnight -- a book which includes a service dog named Moose -- when he came across Canine Companions for Independence. Never having had a pet, the last thing he was looking to do was adopt a dog ... but that's what happened a few years later when a beautiful golden retriever named Trixie was retired from CCI service because of an elbow injury -- and that put her in need of a home of her own. Once in Dean and Gerda's home, Trixie very quickly found a way into their hearts. A Big little life tells the story of unexpectedly falling in love with a dog in middle age. It details Trixie's life with Dean and Gerda, the tremendous impact she had on them, and the things she taught them along the way. A lively and joyful read, it presents Trixie in all her complicated glory -- her smarts, her lack of vanity, and her uncanny knack for living in the present. A powerful tribute to a beautiful friend, A Big little life will remind readers everywhere that the love of our canine best friends is a love that lasts more than a lifetime.