Dean Koontz, author of dozens of popular novels—including eleven No. 1 New York Times bestsellers—will do a rare book signing for his new book September 20, whose proceeds will benefit Canine Companions for Independence (CCI), Oceanside, Calif.

Bliss To You, Trixie’s Guide to a Happy Life by Trixie Koontz, dog, as told to Dean Koontz, is full of sage advice for humans, who may benefit from the wise and sunny outlook of the special Golden Retriever. The signing will begin at 11 am, at CCIs campus, 124 Rancho del Oro Drive in Oceanside.

Trixie became Dean and Gerda Koontz’ beloved pet after she retired from her first career as a CCI service dog. CCI is a national nonprofit organization that enhances the lives of people with disabilities by providing highly-trained assistance dogs and ongoing support, to ensure quality partnerships. Trixie’s years with the Koontzes brought them tranquility, inspiration, and deep gratitude for the simple, joyful, loving spirit of their dog, and launched Trixie’s second career—as an author.

With the help of her dad, Dean, Trixie shared her life lessons with the world through her books: Life is Good, Lessons in Joyful Living, and Christmas is Good, Trixie Treats and Holiday Wisdom. Trixie passed away in 2007, but she continues to inspire from the Other Side. In her new release, Trixie walks readers through her eight steps to bliss: calm, beauty, fun, meaning, others, humility, loss, and gratitude.

All author’s royalties from the sale of the book will be donated to CCI, Trixie’s alma mater. The Koontzes are longtime supporters of the organization, and it is fitting that the new release will be signed at CCI’s Dean, Gerda & Trixie Koontz campus. Trixie was trained at the facility to help someone with a disability by opening doors, turning lights on and off, and retrieving dropped items. Now, she will help other dogs do the same.

CCI provides highly-trained assistance dogs to children and adults with disabilities. It operates five regional training centers across the country, and is recognized worldwide for the excellence of its dogs, and the quality and longevity of the matches it makes between dogs and people. For more information about CCI, call (800) 572-2275 or visit the Web site.

For more information about the book signing, visit the Web site or call (760) 901-4300.