Essie Authur
Essie lives in Prole, Iowa, a small town close to the capitol city Des Moines, which she has resided in most of her life. She worked part-time from the age of 14 yrs. old for the family business, Phil Patterson Corporation, a customs brokerage firm. When she turned 21, she was legally old enough to test for her customs broker's license. For the next 16 years she continued to work as a customs broker until she decided it was time for a change.
Always wanting to work with animals, be around animals, and make some spare
cash ... she decided to start pet-sitting. She loved being with the animals and bonded immediately with all of them, considering each and every special one to be a part of her extended family!
Six years of pet-sitting can wear on a person. It is hard work and a lot of running around. The bonds built are irreplaceable and worth every bit of it. Then after the death of her Sheltie, Scooter, she had to almost immediately leave for an over-night pet-sit job for three German Shepherds lasting almost 3 weeks. It was shortly thereafter, she decided to take a break from pet-sitting.
After Scooter's death, Essie changed and grew on many levels. She also realized her niche is talking about pet loss where most people are very uncomfortable talking about death. She decided to focus on building a website dedicated to her Scooter, devoting to giving pet owner's honesty, sincerity, compassion, and just a fellow pet lover's look at all the different feelings and emotions one goes through after such a devastating loss.
Since starting An Angel's Destiny's website four years ago, she is now working full time on her pet memorial website. She has also been a member of the Circle of Support at Petseverlasting.com, which is a program that offers "earth angels" that will contact you, in the event you just need someone to talk to or just someone to reach out and say "we understand and we are here to listen".
To know Essie, is to know she loves all animals and defends the protection of all! She recently turned vegan two years ago and adamantly encourages the Golden Rule to all, especially herself on a daily basis. She has been together with her better half, Jack, for 18 years, and they live with their family of 3 cats: Boog Boog, Cujo, & Princess Angel and their 2 dogs: Rosco Baby & Rosie Girl.
Ramona Hand
Ramona grew up in Maine (Etna and Pittsfield ). Animals were a big part of her life early on, from having dogs and cats at home, to spending summers at her grandfather or "Uncle Bill's" farms. Ramona enlisted in the U.S. Army after graduating from High School. Following her Army stint, she worked as a Teacher's Aide in Alexandria , LA and was employed with the State of Louisiana in various jobs for over ten years, but left to pursue a career with the U.S. Department of Labor, Veterans' Employment and Training Service, assisting military veterans. Ramona worked tirelessly as the Assistant Director of the Baton Rouge , Louisiana office, serving as the sole investigator for reemployment rights claims for approximately ten years, until her retirement in 2008. During Ramona’s employment with VETS’ she received the Secretary’s “Distinguished Career Service Award” in 2003. While employed with VETS Ramona also furthered her education at Louisiana State University .
Ramona sought comfort from pet loss groups after her beloved thirteen-year old Sheba died in March 2009, followed by her ten-year old Miniature Schnauzer, Spike in October 2009. Ramona said, "The pain is unlike any I've every experienced. Sheba and Spike were my babies; my children and they each took a piece of my heart with them."
Ramona currently lives in Lafayette , Louisiana with her husband Arthur of thirty-four years and two Miniature Schnauzers, Bella and Scooter.
