Our Story

In 2020, Ruby Waves, a unique Treeing Walker Coonhound, found her way into our family through rescue. Right from the start, Ruby faced challenges, grappling with an overwhelming fear of men and sensitivity to household noises. Bonding with her and earning her trust proved to be a formidable task. Ruby's journey unfolded in contrast to the seamless connection we shared with our other beloved dog, Charlotte, who embraced life with unabashed enthusiasm. While Charlotte's energy filled every moment, Ruby faced her own battles with anxiety. However, a spontaneous decision to take Ruby hiking up one of our local 4000-footers led to a remarkable transformation.

On the mountain trails, Ruby shed her timid demeanor and embraced the adventure with newfound courage and attentiveness. Her fear melted into the wilderness, replaced by a sense of confidence and security. Now, she's our faithful hiking companion, her spirit invigorated by the great outdoors.

In 2022, as Charlotte's hiking days dwindled, a new side of her emerged—she reveled in snowstorms. Despite her usual leisurely pace at fourteen, during a snowfall, she would gallop and prance in the fresh snow, with me closely following to ensure she wouldn't slip. These experiences illuminated the profound connection between nature and the well-being of our beloved pet companions.

The genesis of Petrichor stems from our shared desire to make a local impact and embrace entrepreneurship. In 2022, bidding farewell to thirty years in the corporate world, we channeled our expertise in business development and people operations into an industry ripe for innovation. Our mission crystallized—to merge eco-sustainable advancements in cremation science with enhanced compassion for both pet parents and veterinarians.

As we nurtured Petrichor into fruition, our commitment deepened, fueled by our enduring love for Charlotte and Ruby. On March 7, 2024, at the remarkable age of sixteen, Charlotte passed away, leaving a void in our hearts but also a sense of gratitude. A month after we officially opened, it felt as though she waited until we could care for her ourselves.

Joe's nationwide engagement with other aquamation facilities and Shannon's certification as a pet loss death doula underscored our dedication to excellence and empathy, guiding us through the delicate journey of bidding farewell to our cherished companion. We carry her legacy while caring for every pet companion and pet parent with compassion and dignity.

Today, Petrichor Aquamation stands as a testament to our belief in responsible and compassionate end-of-life care for pet companions, seamlessly blending our reverence for beloved companions with a profound respect for the natural world. Our journey continues, guided by the enduring bond between our furry family members and the environment that sustains us all.

The only rule is it begins…

We invite you to join us on this heartfelt journey. Explore our services and discover a space where the love for your pet companion and respect for nature seamlessly come together in harmony.

- Joe and Shannon Doretti

Joe and Shannon Doretti