Angela Garner

During 30 years in human healthcare as a Registered General Nurse, Angela developed a strong interest in end-of-life issues and communicating with the dying and bereaved with empathy and sensitivity. With a life-long passion for animal welfare, it was a natural progression to study and specialize in Companion Animal Bereavement Support.

Shortly after gaining her diploma in this area in 2001, she was asked to set up and run an innovative national pet bereavement support service for a small charity, called Environmental Animal Sanctuary & Education (EASE). She was awarded a Fellowship by the Society of Bereavement Practitioners in respect of her work, and later progressed on to teaching veterinary and animal welfare professionals about animal bereavement support.

Over the years Angela has developed her own unique methods of communicating with bereaved pet owners, and created a wide range of support literature. She explains why writing, WHEN IT'S TIME TO SAY GOODBYE was so important: "I wanted to reach out to more people. Pet loss can be so devastating and no-one should have to travel this road alone. I was inspired to create a book that would be like a friend, supporting readers through each step of their journey through grief."

Angela has shared her home with many wonderful pets over the years, including a parrot who lived with her for 25 years. "I only went in the pet shop to buy seed for my rescue budgies, and I came out with a grey parrot! The poor bird was clearly absolutely terrified and I couldn't stand the thought of her being bought by one of the young lads who were eyeing her up, so she came home with me. In time, we became the best of friends until she died in 2013. I still miss her now."

Angela currently lives with her husband and elderly dog in Devon, UK.