Travels with Buster

Need to find that 'still, quiet voice within'?

Longing to connect with the simple things of life?
In 'Travels with Buster: A Journey of Unconditional Love', Diane Viola takes us on a journey of the heart through the life of her beloved dog, Buster. Like so many four-legged creatures, Buster's arrival brings wholeness into the lives of Diane and her husband, Roberto.
With his ineffable qualities and enchanting personality, Buster proves to be a wonderful teacher, evoking the best in others and inspiring our humanity through acts of love and compassion. Laced throughout the vignettes of his life, Diane has cleverly interspersed teachings for parents, partners and all who seek personal growth and transformation through a light-hearted approach.
Told with tenderness and love, 'Travels with Buster' touches on themes that are central to our story as human beings. Come ready to laugh and to cry, to experience joy and to open your heart to yourself and all sentient beings as you travel the path of unconditional love.
'A heart-warming tale reminding us of what is truly important in life.

Buster is indeed an amazing teacher!'
Beth Phelan

Conference Director, Happiness & Its Causes
From the Introduction
This book is a collection of stories about Buster, my life with him and how that relates to all of our lives. Looking back, I am so grateful that he was sent to me to help me through the challenges I was presented with as I entered a whole new stage of my life. I'm not sure who led whom and I do know we were meant to do this together.
'Travels with Buster' is arranged into four sections, loosely corresponding to the four stages of Buster's life in the homes we lived in during that time. Of necessity, some of the stories span more than one period and place in time. While it is inspired by the events I recount of his life, this is clearly not 'just' a book about a dog!' I invite you to take the time to reflect on what each chapter means for you and your life and the emotions it evokes in you.
In the pages of this book, I trust you will find sprinkles of the humour and light-heartedness that inspired its writing. If there is one thing I know and respect, it is that everyone who loves their dog (or other furry or feathered animal) as I do, will have a mountain of funny, heart-warming stories to tell, perhaps even similar to the experiences I share about my boy. I would encourage them to do as I have done if the calling within them is strong enough. But be warned … it may be a journey from which you will not return the same!
My intention with this book is that it will nurture you, touch your heart and reignite your passion for life, love and all who are dear to you, in whatever form they take. None of us is going to get out of this thing alive! So, while we're here, we need to make the most of it, to experience life with all its gifts; of joy and sadness, of giving and receiving, of light and darkness, of the courage that comes from 'seeing things as they are and being willing to meet life on its own terms' and of the strength that comes from the practice of gentleness. These are the gifts bestowed on me as I traversed this journey of unconditional love with Buster that gave me the trust and faith to engage in the swings and roundabouts of life! May you too be blessed with a little of this magic as you travel the pages of this book in your own imagination.
Pure and simple - that's a dog's life! And that is the gift Buster was and continues to be, to me, which I now offer to you, with love.
Diane Viola & Buster in Spirit