A Big Little Life: A Memoir of a Joyful Dog
Mr. Koontz is not an author. He is, instead, a bright beacon of light shining light on a cold and dark world. My words cannot do justice to this moving and profound work. This is not only a nice way to remember a good pet. It is also not just a "feel good" or "Aw shucks" type of book.
Despite the many playful stories, and even the title, this is a serious work with serious, profound ideas.
Of course, there are the wonderful stories about Trixie Koontz, the "Golden." Indeed, the tales are fun and enjoyable. Who could not love hearing Trixie vocalize, "Bah" when she wanted to hunt down stray tennis balls at the local tennis court. And what about Trixie shouting down the loud barking dog? Great, fun stories. I enjoyed them all.
Caution! Don't be fooled--the theme is not just what a great dog Trixie proved to be. Neither is the book just a heart-warming tribute to a loyal pet. The essence of this book is more like, "Watch out--Look at the wonderful mysteries of life! Don't miss it!"
This is what Trixie brought to the Koontz family. This book is not a story documenting some fun frolicking with a Golden; Rather, this book takes direct aim at the very essence of life--what it means to be ALIVE on planet Earth.
Among other things, Trixie taught the Koontz family a message that the author perhaps didn't understand before. He learned this:
"True Wisdom is Humility. What a wonderful, mysterious universe we live in."
I am in awe of the author. After finishing the second to last chapter last night, I could only say, "Lord, Bless the Koontz Family."
