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Bliss to You: Trixie's Guide to a Happy Life
The late service dog and "co-blogger" of best-selling novelist Dean Koontz shares a collection of lessons about living life to the fullest and finding joy in everyday experiences.
160 pages, Hardcover
First published September 1, 2008
About the author
Trixie Koontz
6 books61 followersNicknames:
Short Stuff, Trix, Furface, Fluffybutt
Quick Bio:
Purebred, Service Dog
Arrival Story:
I was a CCI assistance dog. After elbow surgery, was retired from service and came to live as a Koontz in Newport Beach. Wrote three books to raise money for other assistance dogs.
Bio:
Trixie was an angel on earth, shorn of her wings and given fur as a disguise, with mysterious eyes, with the heart of a lion and the temperament of a lamb. She changed us as people, made us better by her example, brought piercing beauty and so much humor into our lives, and left a terrible void when she went to God.
Short Stuff, Trix, Furface, Fluffybutt
Quick Bio:
Purebred, Service Dog
Arrival Story:
I was a CCI assistance dog. After elbow surgery, was retired from service and came to live as a Koontz in Newport Beach. Wrote three books to raise money for other assistance dogs.
Bio:
Trixie was an angel on earth, shorn of her wings and given fur as a disguise, with mysterious eyes, with the heart of a lion and the temperament of a lamb. She changed us as people, made us better by her example, brought piercing beauty and so much humor into our lives, and left a terrible void when she went to God.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 157 reviews
June 18, 2014
A great & happy tail told through the eyes of a Wonderful Dog.This book makes me so happy :-) I read this back in 2009 and in 2012 I listened to the audiobook with the introduction read by Dean Koontz. Read again on New Years Day 2013. Listened/Read again June 2014. Listed below are Trixie's 8 steps of bliss, but I recommend reading the short book or listening to the 1 hour audio so that Trixie can elaborate on each of these steps for you.
1. Be Calm - Reside in Quiet Heart
2. See the World in all it's Beauty
3. Fun
4. Find your True Purpose
5. Love and Live for Others
6. Humility
7. Accept Loss
8. Gratitude
1. Be Calm - Reside in Quiet Heart
2. See the World in all it's Beauty
3. Fun
4. Find your True Purpose
5. Love and Live for Others
6. Humility
7. Accept Loss
8. Gratitude
December 30, 2017
Imagine if a Golden Retriever Angel returned from "The Other Side" to impart the simple secrets to Bliss? Wouldn't you want to read that book?
Trixie Koontz, who is dog imparts her beautiful voice in this glorious book of happiness.
Trixie Koontz, who is dog imparts her beautiful voice in this glorious book of happiness.
March 18, 2012
A profound little book with lots to say and a sense of fun. Example:
"The world is fun. Meadows to run. Ponds to swim. Hills, valleys, shores to explore. A bajillion things to smell. So much to learn, to see. Cats to chase.
Warning: can't achieve bliss if catch cat. Cats are only for chasing. Catch cat, get lacerated nose, go to vet, get cuts sewn shut, needle in butt, and everybody laughing, especially cat."
This is written by Trixie Koontz from "the other side." I laughed and cried. Trixie is very wise, but then dogs tend to be much wiser than humans.
I think this book would be a great comfort for someone who has lost their dog. It isn't meant for a bereavement type book, but there is a chapter on loss that is really good. I think that this would really be enjoyed by any dog lover, though.
"The world is fun. Meadows to run. Ponds to swim. Hills, valleys, shores to explore. A bajillion things to smell. So much to learn, to see. Cats to chase.
Warning: can't achieve bliss if catch cat. Cats are only for chasing. Catch cat, get lacerated nose, go to vet, get cuts sewn shut, needle in butt, and everybody laughing, especially cat."
This is written by Trixie Koontz from "the other side." I laughed and cried. Trixie is very wise, but then dogs tend to be much wiser than humans.
I think this book would be a great comfort for someone who has lost their dog. It isn't meant for a bereavement type book, but there is a chapter on loss that is really good. I think that this would really be enjoyed by any dog lover, though.
March 21, 2013
As a dog lover and one who thinks I know what my dog is thinking at all times, this was a short listen (book on CD) on yesterday's drive to work. It put life in perspective and reminds us to slow down and appreciate what is in front of us and not to worry about the future - to live in the present. This was the third of his books written from the perspective of his golden retriever but in this book, his dog Trixie is speaking to him from the "other side" as she has passed on. Ember (my dog) is 14 and it made me tear up thinking about her and the wisdom I know she shares with me that she wishes I would listen to.
January 14, 2013
Ohmigod, any uplifting or self improvement message is ruined by the poor use of language in this book. I don't care if you're pretending that your dog wrote it: verbs and pronouns and important and useful pieces of speech. If you decide to drop them you need to be consistent. If you decide to use them, be consistent.
I will never get that time back. At least it was a quick read.
I will never get that time back. At least it was a quick read.
January 17, 2015
Easily one of our favorite books by Dean & Trixie Koontz!
Kiyomi repeatedly asks for me to read it to her
Kiyomi repeatedly asks for me to read it to her
October 7, 2025
Ever wanted to read some dog wisdom? This is the book for YOU 🐾
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January 2, 2019“Can be optimistic only if you limit worry to things you can change.”
― Trixie Koontz, Bliss to You: Trixie's Guide to a Happy Life
This hour length audiobook is a huge slice of love that Dog knows well. An excellent reminder to find Quiet Heart and to enjoy cookies. I will recommend this to all who enjoy back pats and belly tickles.
― Trixie Koontz, Bliss to You: Trixie's Guide to a Happy Life
This hour length audiobook is a huge slice of love that Dog knows well. An excellent reminder to find Quiet Heart and to enjoy cookies. I will recommend this to all who enjoy back pats and belly tickles.
April 15, 2013
Another book that I randomly picked up when I was walking through the aisles in the library that has failed me. This should be a reminder of why I should never pick up random books from the library based on their covers!
Overall, this was a horrible book. I thought it may have potential as the book is supposed to be written from a dog's point of view of how we can all find happiness and I felt that it was a book that dog lovers would appreciate (although I hate dogs, thought it would be good for me to see things from their perspective). The entire book is written in broken english that sounds like it is from a 2nd graders perspective and attempts to throw in childish humor that is just not funny. There is some truth in the book as Trixie talks about all the difficulties and troubles that humans tend to have that dogs never get caught up in, and the things we humans can do to be more like dogs and find their happiness. Again, am just shocked how well rated this book is on goodreads and on amazon as was a horrible read.
Overall, this was a horrible book. I thought it may have potential as the book is supposed to be written from a dog's point of view of how we can all find happiness and I felt that it was a book that dog lovers would appreciate (although I hate dogs, thought it would be good for me to see things from their perspective). The entire book is written in broken english that sounds like it is from a 2nd graders perspective and attempts to throw in childish humor that is just not funny. There is some truth in the book as Trixie talks about all the difficulties and troubles that humans tend to have that dogs never get caught up in, and the things we humans can do to be more like dogs and find their happiness. Again, am just shocked how well rated this book is on goodreads and on amazon as was a horrible read.
January 12, 2009
Fun, uplifting, positive bits of doggy wisdom that made me laugh out loud several times, including, but not limited to
Mailman does not come to house to kill us all. Comes to house to torture and then kill.
Jack Sprat could eat no fat, his wife could eat no lean. More for the dog.
Here is another dumb saying: it is what it is. No kidding. If it isn't what it is, then what would it be? And if it is what it isn't, what the hell is going on here? ...Some human sayings not dumb, just painfully obvious. Like: what goes up must come down. Duh. Or: what goes around comes around. Double duh. Or: whatever will be will be. Unless it isn't what it is.
Mailman does not come to house to kill us all. Comes to house to torture and then kill.
Jack Sprat could eat no fat, his wife could eat no lean. More for the dog.
Here is another dumb saying: it is what it is. No kidding. If it isn't what it is, then what would it be? And if it is what it isn't, what the hell is going on here? ...Some human sayings not dumb, just painfully obvious. Like: what goes up must come down. Duh. Or: what goes around comes around. Double duh. Or: whatever will be will be. Unless it isn't what it is.
April 15, 2015
This is a short book-can be read in an hour or so but you will probably read it many times. It is written by Dean Koontz with the real author being his much loved but deceased dog Trixie. Trixie channels through Dean's computer while he sleeps. The book is a joy to read. No murder, mayhem, evil, or fast paced adventure. You will miss none of that. Instead I laughed at the silliness, the honesty, simplicity and love that comes from the narrative. As always, Koontz adds sarcasm, humor, and throws in profound thoughts that will leave you pondering. Loved this book and would recommend it to all adults and maybe age 8 or so for children.
Proceeds from this book go to an organization that trains dogs to be companions to persons with disabilities which is an added bonus.
Proceeds from this book go to an organization that trains dogs to be companions to persons with disabilities which is an added bonus.
July 16, 2024
Overview: Many Dean Koontz fans are aware of his fondness for his golden retrievers. Not many will know that Trixie has "written" her own books. She seems to think that she has the secrets to happiness. Is she right?
Story Telling: You could call this a humorous self-help book.
Dislikes: Grammar and literary nerds beware: this is written from the point-of-view of a dog. Albeit an intelligent dog, but still a dog nonetheless. They don't really care about grammar or punctuation.
Likes: The tips are sound. They will help you find, if not a happier lifestyle, a peaceful one.
Plus, the humor was a fun addition, especially if you have a dog.
Conclusion: This was a fun little read. Enjoy it if you are a dog lover, or a Koontz fan. Just don't forget to follow the tips.
Story Telling: You could call this a humorous self-help book.
Dislikes: Grammar and literary nerds beware: this is written from the point-of-view of a dog. Albeit an intelligent dog, but still a dog nonetheless. They don't really care about grammar or punctuation.
Likes: The tips are sound. They will help you find, if not a happier lifestyle, a peaceful one.
Plus, the humor was a fun addition, especially if you have a dog.
Conclusion: This was a fun little read. Enjoy it if you are a dog lover, or a Koontz fan. Just don't forget to follow the tips.
February 10, 2009
I was drawn to this book mostly because of Trixie's picture on the cover and the fact that I am a dog lover. I thought this book would be great, especially told from a dog's point of view. I was disappointed though with Trixie's broken English and sentence structure. I think I was expecting something more along the lines of Marley and Me and this book is simply not the same.
To be fair, I did listen to this book on CD and from the very first word I was disappointed with the person reading.
To be fair, I did listen to this book on CD and from the very first word I was disappointed with the person reading.
August 13, 2009
The writing in the voice of Trixie, his dog, was a bit too "twee" (saccharine sweet & precocious) for me. If you can get past that, there are some nice little observations about life. But it's really more like a "thought a page" book, not really a content-driven book.
November 25, 2008
Everyone should really read this book - if you don't mind shedding a few tears at the end. Trixie's lessons for life are right on the mark......or, er, pawprint.
February 16, 2012
Cute easy easy read. Dean Koontz writes as tho he is the dog..had a couple of laugh out load spots. Cute little book
March 6, 2012
Loved it! It made me cry and laugh. It helps to be a dog lover.
February 5, 2014
Great gift for any dog lover.
February 9, 2016
A cute book written through Trixie, Dean's beloved Golden Retriever. A little hard to adjust to the way it's written but a quick read.
September 14, 2017
I loved it – good information in a very condensed form and was really funny -I laughed until my face hurt
September 29, 2017
I haven't enjoyed a book this much in ages!
September 30, 2017
Very good advise, especially from a dog!
December 5, 2017
Trixie is a very intelligent dog that has a good repore with all humankind
April 16, 2022
Trixie, who was dog, "wrote" several books, but this one was published after she sadly passed to the Rainbow Bridge, back in 2008. This little book is full of wisdom, inspiration, humor, and delight.
I get occasional emails from Dean Koontz, who was Trixie's "human father," and, every now and then, we would get one that had been "written" by Trixie. They were always adorable. This book is no different.
The premise of the book is that there are eight steps to reaching bliss, and Trixie is going to explain those to us. The eight steps are: Calm, Beauty, Fun, Meaning, Others, Humility, Loss, and Gratitude.
Trixie was very wise. Here are some of her words.
"Can't see beauty of world, which is now, if you are full of desire for what you want next Tuesday."
"Happiness is a choice. You can choose happy or unhappy, no matter what happens. No one else can make you happy. Must make happy yourself."
"Can be optimistic only if you limit worry to things you can change. Can't change path of massive asteroid hurtling toward Earth. Can't change sun getting hotter or cooler. Can't avoid flesh-eating bacteria just by moving, leaving no forwarding address."
"If expect bad to happen, spend all life in gloom, waiting. And sometimes, expecting bad things is like magnet: bad things are drawn toward you."
"Paws are better than hands.
Paws cannot forge signatures,
cannot point fingers of blame,
cannot pull gun trigger,
cannot make obscene gestures,
cannot pick pockets."
"Here is what real meaning is like. Maybe you're meant to give kindness to one special child. Child grows up, is healer or wise leader. Then your purpose was as big as any king's, maybe bigger."
And my favorite:
"Fame means nothing. Time erases fame.
Great power doesn't last. Time erases the powerful.
Your anger dies with you.
What love you give lives on.
Cynic will sneer at this truth. Time erases cynics."
Read this book, if you can get your hands on it. I guarantee you it will make you feel better.
I get occasional emails from Dean Koontz, who was Trixie's "human father," and, every now and then, we would get one that had been "written" by Trixie. They were always adorable. This book is no different.
The premise of the book is that there are eight steps to reaching bliss, and Trixie is going to explain those to us. The eight steps are: Calm, Beauty, Fun, Meaning, Others, Humility, Loss, and Gratitude.
Trixie was very wise. Here are some of her words.
"Can't see beauty of world, which is now, if you are full of desire for what you want next Tuesday."
"Happiness is a choice. You can choose happy or unhappy, no matter what happens. No one else can make you happy. Must make happy yourself."
"Can be optimistic only if you limit worry to things you can change. Can't change path of massive asteroid hurtling toward Earth. Can't change sun getting hotter or cooler. Can't avoid flesh-eating bacteria just by moving, leaving no forwarding address."
"If expect bad to happen, spend all life in gloom, waiting. And sometimes, expecting bad things is like magnet: bad things are drawn toward you."
"Paws are better than hands.
Paws cannot forge signatures,
cannot point fingers of blame,
cannot pull gun trigger,
cannot make obscene gestures,
cannot pick pockets."
"Here is what real meaning is like. Maybe you're meant to give kindness to one special child. Child grows up, is healer or wise leader. Then your purpose was as big as any king's, maybe bigger."
And my favorite:
"Fame means nothing. Time erases fame.
Great power doesn't last. Time erases the powerful.
Your anger dies with you.
What love you give lives on.
Cynic will sneer at this truth. Time erases cynics."
Read this book, if you can get your hands on it. I guarantee you it will make you feel better.
June 26, 2019
Absolutely love this book, as I do all of Trixie’s books. The broken language used in it bothers some, but, to me, that’s how a dog might talk or think. I suppose I am biased because I am a dog lover who just recently lost her dog of 13 years. Reading this book for a second time helped me to remember that my dog is now playing with Trixie on the other side. It’s always a good reminder to slow down and just be, as Trixie implies. I say go for this book if you like dogs.
December 27, 2017
This is a really cute book. Trixie's words of wisdom brought a smile to my face many times as I read this. It is an uplifting read that makes you think about life and making it better. There are 8 steps to bliss according to Trixie and they make sense. I think most people, especially dog lovers, would enjoy reading this book
July 8, 2020
What a delightful book through the eyes of Trixie Koontz, the dog. All proceeds from the book went to Not-for-profit organization that Trixie came from which is an organization that trains dogs to be service dogs to people with disabilities. Trixie’s writings are wonderful. Happy, life enriching and just what this world needs more of! Highly recommend this!
March 14, 2023
From the book: “Road to bliss is paved with dog wisdom.” The road to bliss has quite a few steps. They include: Calm, Beauty, Fun, Meaning, Others, Humility, Loss, and Gratitude. Dog wisdom relayed in each step to achieve bliss. Plus, other pearls of dog wisdom. Uplifting.
September 6, 2023
Not really a book per se, but a collection of cute and sometimes witty. If you are a serious person or a grammar NAZI, stay away. Just a little cute fun. If you can't have a little fun with this, then you are dead inside.
July 30, 2018
I expected a fun, silly read of dog-dispensed wisdom. I got that, but so much more. Insightful and engaging, the message carried is deeper than expected.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 157 reviews