"Forever Buster"

Richard Chamberlain reading a children's book may not seem to be the best use of his talents, but when he read from "Forever Buster" on our morning news program, it was a meaningful event.

"He's as white as could be. Like snow," read Chamberlain. "His eyes shine like stars, so golden and bright, they glow even in the dark of the night. A pat on the head, a tug on his ear, or a rub on his rump makes him smile ear to ear."

Buster belonged to Chamberlain and Martin Rabbett and when Buster died, they were heart-broken. But Martin turned that grief around.

"And so I just started writing about all the wonderful things that happened. And the energy shifted inside of me and suddenly I'm going, I have this gift inside instead of this pain," said Rabbett.

The book is written as a poem and illustrated by Donna Burns. Any pet owner will appreciate the kind of joy Buster brought to his home.

"I taught him to stay and then I'd go and hide somewhere and then I'd go 'okay' and he'd race through the house trying to find me, up and down stairs and if he didn't find me, I'd whistle a little bit, but eventually he found me and he was just so proud," said Rabbett.

The book can be enjoyed by anyone - but it serve as a unique tool for families who have children coping with the loss of a loved one.

"If you substitute Buster for the word tutu or tutu-kane or auntie, it's about remembering the beauty, the love, the experiences they shared with one of these family members."

Martin believes Buster's spirit lives on. In fact, driving on his home island of Maui, he felt an irresistible urge - a Buster sign - to turn down a certain road.

"And it was the road to the Maui Humane Society. And I went in there and I'm sure he led me - to my new dog Bartley," said Rabbett.

As a way to honor Bartley and Buster, a portion of the proceeds of the book will go to the Maui Humane Society.

Click here to view a video of Richard and Martin on the KGMB9 Sunrise programme.