3 Down, 47 to Go: A Big Little Life

I’ve been busy making my way through this stack of books – I *heart* the public library.

Last week’s book was A Big Little Life – A Memoir of a Joyful Dog by Dean Koontz.  Koontz, best known for suspense thrillers, has sold over 400 million copies of his books and they been published in 38 languages.  A Big Little Life is not a suspense thriller, rather, it is a love letter to Koontz’ dog Trixie.

I laughed, I cried.   I really cried.  This book starts with Koontz’s story of growing up in a poor family, meeting is wife (Gerda) who has been at his side through thick and thin, and then we meet Trixie.

Trixie came to the Koontz’s through the Canine Companions for Independence program when, after a joint injury, Trixie was no longer eligible to be a service dog (the work she would need to do in service could potentially re-injure her joint).  She was, however, eligible to warm the heart of anyone she met.

I think you need to be a dog owner/dog lover to enjoy and appreciate this story.  Koontz recounts Trixie’s fun personality, her encounters with family and friends, the games she played, and how she helped the Koontz’s work less and enjoy the little things in life.  I always appreciate reading a story of the human/dog bond.  And after reading about Trixie I made sure to give these guys an extra hug:

The Guys

The story has a sad ending and I’ll just have to leave it at that–otherwise I’ll need another tissue.  It’s a reminder that everyday with our four-legged friends is a gift.

This week I’m reading The School of Essential Ingredients by Erica Bauermeister.  It’s a delightful and light read.

Question:  What are you reading this week?  Any fun dog stories to share?

*There is still time to enter the Rishi Tea giveaway!*