Dean Koontz signs a copy of "Bliss To You" for Andrew, Todd and Connie Phillips. CCI skilled companion dog, Smittie, is a valued member of their family.              Credit: CCI

Dean Koontz, author of dozens of popular novels, including eleven No 1 New York Times bestsellers, made a rare appearance before a crowd of some 500 supporters September 20 to sign copies of his new book Bliss To You, Trixie’s Guide to a Happy Life.

The event took place at Canine Companions for Independence (CCI), Oceanside, Calif, and the author’s royalties from book’s sale will benefit CCI. The release was penned by Trixie Koontz, Golden Retriever, as told to Dean Koontz. Trixie became the Koontz’ pet after her retirement as a service dog for CCI, a national nonprofit group that enhances the lives of people with disabilities by providing highly-trained assistance dogs and ongoing support.

“I hope a lot of people will feel it does give them some things to think about that they hadn’t thought of before—things that dogs know by heart and human beings resist learning,” Koontz said.

The Koontz’ have been involved with the organization since the late 1980s and have donated more than $4.5 million over the years. The author spoke to the crowd at CCI’s Dean, Gerda and Trixie Koontz campus, answered questions, and signed more than 1,000 books during his 7-hour appearance.

For more information, call (800) 572-2275 or visit the group’s Web site.