The Next Ridge

06/06/2024

This sweet, handsome boy is Judah. He went to the next ridge on 6/4 from his dad's lap. Judah was a water dog, and he was lucky to visit all the area's lakes his whole life. He didn't have a mean bone in his body and his tail was wagging until the very end. His amazing family loved him dearly and they miss him so much.

Rest easy, big guy❤🐾🌈

"Thank you Dr. Rush. You were the kindest person. You helped our dear sweet boy to pass the most peaceful way possible."

31/05/2024

On May 18th, beautiful girl Isis went to the next ridge from her mama’s lap. When Isis's health quickly declined, her mom kept her in her lap for the entire day until Dr. Holt arrived that evening.

Isis loved playing frisbee, fetch with her favorite ball, and playing in the snow. She was queen of the house, and would share her toys with her mom but not her brother and sister. Isis “mothered” her younger brother, and although he was much bigger than her, she kept him in line. She loved going on long car rides and when she would go through the car was she would chase the water hitting the windows. She loved to cuddle on the couch with her mom while she read or watched TV. During the past month, her mom would need to carry her for part of their walks or she would be a princess riding around in her dog stroller. Isis was the best companion and would be right by her mom’s side when she was sick.

“She was my life… my heart…. the center to which my world revolved. I would have given her anything she ever needed or wanted but in the end I couldn’t give us more time together. It broke my heart to let her go but thanks to you Dr. Holt she was able to go peacefully in my arms and that was truly a blessing. Thank you.”

Rest easy, sweet girl🌈🐾❤

22/05/2024

We often have family members and friends make phone calls on behalf of their loved ones; whether the owners are too upset to make that call or just to help them during a stressful time. This is yet another act of love we get to witness at the Next Ridge, and for that, we are so grateful. From the initial conversation, we could tell how much Corie loved her Aunt and sweet boy, Buck ❤️🐾🌈

21/05/2024

On May 6th, handsome boy Bo went to the next ridge from his porch and surrounded by family. Bo’s favorite thing to do was EAT! He was a slobbery boy and loved his doggy toys. He was a really good snuggler. Bo will be greatly missed by his family ❤️🐾🌈

“I wanted to thank you so much for everything. You made a very tough day a little easier. Dr. Holt truly has a gift. So compassionate!! I know Bo appreciated his calm demeanor. We can't thank you enough❤️”

18/05/2024

We are going to be out of the office Tuesday, 5/21 and returning to the office Thursday, 5/30. We need to get our paws in the sand 🐾 Dr. Holt has some availability for appointments on Monday, 5/20.

16/05/2024

Check out this therapeutic arts workshop❤🐾🌈

09/05/2024

08/05/2024

Our clients often ask what to do during appointments if their beloved pet has a companion animal (we call them "brothers" or "sisters" in our house).

If possible, we suggest that the companion pet is present for at least part of the process. If the companion is anxious, we recommend keeping them separate during the appointment, such as in a back bedroom or outside. A calm environment is a priority. After the appointment is over, they can come out and investigate their beloved friend. They may not completely grasp the situation, but one last visit may help them process that their pal is gone.❤🌈🐾

07/05/2024

Maiya went to the Next Ridge on 4/28/24. She loved playing with her stuffies, car rides, and when people laughed. She loved to eat and breakfast was her favorite meal of the day. More than anything she LOVED her "grandma". When Maiya's grandfather passed away, she attached herself to her grandma and they took care of each other. Maiya's grandma was definitely her person. During Maiya's last few years, she took on the role as hall monitor; laying there and keeping everyone in line. She dearly loved her brothers. Finn was her caretaker and he'd clean her face up every morning and make sure she was ready for her day.
Maiya loved all creatures big and small. She mothered an abandoned kitten that couldn’t have been more than a few weeks old. That kitty grew up thinking Maiya was his mama. She was truly a special girl and her family's hearts are broken at the thought of living without her. She will always be remembered and will live on in her family's hearts.🐾🌈❤
We love our Next Ridge families and their stories.

"Thank you and Dr. Holt for helping us say goodbye to our sweet Maiya. We didn’t want to believe we were losing her in just 7 short years. Cushing stole our sweet girl from us way too soon. Having her in her home where she felt safe when we said our goodbyes was very important to us. I can’t thank Dr.Holt enough for being so loving and caring during this difficult time. His caring heart made a huge difference for my mom as she said goodbye to her best friend. We will forever sing your praises."

03/05/2024

We are going off the grid in Pocahontas County for the weekend. Nature’s playground is always more fun with pups 🐾❤️Dr. Holt has availability for appointments Monday, May 6th. We wish everyone a happy, healthy weekend.

30/04/2024

Beautiful "Lady" went to the next ridge on 4/21/24. Her loving family welcomed her with open arms when they rescued her from an unsafe situation. Though timid with strangers, she was very affectionate with her family and was the best role model for her little sister. Rest easy, sweet Lady❤🌈🐾

"Thank you to The Next Ridge and Dr. Holt for his compassion and willingness to come on a Sunday morning. Our "Lady" was lucky to have passed with such gentleness..We so appreciate your services."

22/04/2024

Bo-Diddley went to the next ridge on 4/13/24. "Bo D" was 20 years old and he loved to lay in the sun, temptation treats, and his best friend Ryder who misses him dearly. Bo D's dad describes him as a "people person" who liked to greet the house guests. Bo D was a great boy who was so loved by his family.🐾🌈❤

"Thank you so much Dr. Holt & The Next Ridge. We really appreciate everything you did for our family. Bo D was with us for so long it was hard to say goodbye. Thank you for making it right for him."

13/04/2024

This gorgeous girl was Winnie. Dr. Holt helped her to the next ridge on 3/16/24. Here are some words from Winnie's mom:

"We weren't planning to get a dog, but when we knew that Winnie needed re-homed, we couldn't resist welcoming her into our family. And we fell hard for her. Winnie was a lover. More than anything, she wanted to lay near us, on us, or in our arms. She enjoyed wading in the creek near our house, eating carrots (and any snack we'd let her have) and visiting new places (with new smells!). We traveled frequently with her, and she loved meeting new people. In the event she couldn't travel with us, there was no welcome home party like Winnie's- so many kisses! She rarely barked, but when she did, it was usually because she was happy and excited.

Her sweet little life was cut short by lymphoma. When it was time, we called The Next Ridge based on a recommendation from our vet. Julia was so kind, patient, and informative during the initial teary phone call. And as Winnie's condition declined rapidly, Dr. Holt and Julia immediately talked us through the situation, and Dr. Holt quickly fit us into his schedule. Dr. Holt is a deeply empathetic vet, greeting us at the door with kind words of consolation and hugs. He thoroughly explained all the important details to us, was so gentle and kind to our Winnie, and he took time to let us grieve and answer our questions.

Saying goodbye to Winnie was incredibly heartbreaking, but Dr. Holt made the process so much easier. It was wonderful to be in the comfort of our own home, where Winnie felt safe, rather than in a vet's office. I cannot recommend Dr. Holt and The Next Ridge enough. We are so, so grateful for their kindness during this time."

Working with families like Winnie's make our life so fulfilled. This appointment was a heartbreaker, she was gone too soon. Rest easy, sweet Winnie🐾❤️🌈

27/03/2024

Dr. Holt was fortunate to help "outlaw" Jesse James to the next ridge on 3/25/24. Though he was small in stature, his stories read like a tall tale. He truly was a legend. Sending all the love to Jesse's humans. Rest easy, big guy.❤🌈🐾

"On Monday morning, Dr. Holt arrived and helped me and my husband bid "see you on the other side" to our Jesse James the Outlaw Dog. A Legend. I found him at roughly 5 weeks old abandoned on the side of a road, and though I didn't believe I had room in my busy life with three teenagers in the house and lousy income - but this sweet pup stole my heart (hence his outlaw name) and we spent 19+ amazing years hiking, fishing, camping, kayaking and canoeing through out the Adirondacks. He became my very best friend, and the idea of making him in his feeble elderly age travel to an unknown clinic to make the leap just tore at my heart. A very kind woman at the High Meadows crematorium recommended The Next Ridge, and we are beyond grateful for the kindness shown to our dear Jesse, and to us, as none of us were ready for this day. The compassion the minute Dr. Holt arrived until the end, there are no words. Only very thankful hearts. I learned more from my old friend than I can ever express, he filled a place in my heart that needed healing and I was blessed with being on all of those adventures with him. For that, only being able to sleep his final sleep on his own selected spot on our bed would do. Thank you, thank you for doing what you do so that we could give this final gift to our special little Legend.
Most Sincerely,
Latricia Walrath and Family.

07/03/2024

Ryder was such a good boy. Sending hugs to you, Susan ❤️🐾🌈

29/02/2024

This big sweetheart is Lucy. She went to the next ridge on January 20th. Lucy’s family went to the shelter in September 2021 and explained that seeing her was “love at first sight”. Every dog in the shelter was barking and howling, except for chill Lucy. She gently reached out her paw to touch the door of the cage, and her new family took her home that day. Lucy’s dad spent the first night on the floor with her so she wouldn’t be scared. With all her family’s love and care, her confidence grew and she learned to love walks and car rides. She also loved getting pets from her mom and dad, going “bye-byes” in mom’s car for a trip to the spa, McDonald’s for a 4 piece chicken nugget, or to get her coveted pup cup. Lucy was right by her dad’s side when he proposed to her mom. She got a companion pup named Honey in July 2022. Her dad describes life with these two sweeties as “full and grand”. Lucy was so loved is greatly missed by her whole family.🐾🌈❤

25/02/2024

Thank you for the kind words, Camie. R***r was such a good, handsome boy who had the best family ❤️🌈🐾

23/02/2024

Beautiful Daisy went to the next ridge on Wednesday evening. She had the best family and her mom shared her story with us:

"In 2016, Daisy found me. She was being rehabbed at HART for Animals in Maryland after her first human had passed away. She was already 7 years old and incredibly overweight and struggling to just be a dog. I went to meet her and just knew she belonged with me. We went on hikes and adventures and got her medical conditions managed and it was like she was a whole new girl. She gave us a new perspective on life. She helped me get through a PhD. She was our flower girl at our wedding (and howled during the ceremony at the absolute perfect times). She was an incredible support dog for our family and friends. She gave us so much love, and only tried to take fingers if you were being stingy with the chicken nuggets. Last summer we brought a puppy girl into our home and at 14 years old, Daisy taught Rally how to be ours and how to be in our family. She showed Rally all the best sunshine spots for naps and the best puppy dog eyes to beg for treats. When she started to slow down this week, I think we just knew what was coming. The cancer diagnosis and prognosis were surprising only because she still seemed so normal. Her happy little beagle self, bopping down the road to yell at the neighborhood chickens. We were preparing to celebrate her 15th birthday in March. We are so thankful that you were able to help us give her a peaceful and gentle assist across the rainbow bridge. While that day was maybe the worst of our lives, she had a day of treats and friends (human and puppy), naps in the sunshine, and cuddles all the way through. She felt only love and joy."

🌼❤🌈🐾

15/02/2024

09/02/2024

This beautiful girl, Coco Bella, went to the next ridge on 1/26/2024. Coco Bella was a loyal, faithful dog that lived with her mama in Florida before moving to West Virginia. In Florida, she loved chasing lizards, squirrels, swimming in the pool, happy hours out with her mama, and walks in the neighborhood and along the beach. When Coco Bella moved to West Virginia, she easily adapted to the country life. She chased deer in the backyard and was also a little shadow to her papa. Coco Bella's amazing family describes that she gave them so much strength, hope, peace, joy, and fun throughout their major life events. Coco Bella was so loved and is deeply missed.❤🐾🌈

03/02/2024

This sweet boy, Leo, went to the next ridge on Monday. He was a racetrack rescue that spent his first 5 years on the run in Florida. After his mom and dad adopted him, he spent his days stealing all the coziest blankest in the house and lounging in the sun. Leo's amazing parents describe him as "picky" as he only liked his french fries with barbecue sauce and the really good (expensive) treats. He loved his dog sister, Celia, his humans, and when his nana and grandpa would visit. Leo was so special and so loved. He will be dearly missed🐾❤️🌈

High Meadow Pet Crematory

29/01/2024

Did you know that Dr. Holt has his PA license? We take appointments within 60 miles of Morgantown. 🌈❤🐾

24/01/2024

Belle was such a beautiful, sweet dog🌈❤️🐾Though we didn’t have the opportunity to know her for very long, we can tell she was so loved. We’re thinking of you during this difficult time

Thank you to The Next Ridge for making today a wee bit easier. Belle came into my life 14 years ago as a rescue. She was simply the best comforter, snuggle bunny, secret keeper, puppin a girl could have ever wanted! You did your job well, Belle—-

26/12/2023

We are proud to be featured in the Dominion Post and honored to serve our Next Ridge families ❤️🌈🐾

The loss of a pet can be as traumatic as the loss of a human family member. For many families, the final moments with their four-legged companion […]

09/12/2023

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07/12/2023

Beautiful Layla went to the next ridge last Thursday evening. Layla started her life in South Carolina in a bucket full of newborn puppies left on the doorstep of an animal shelter. She was bottle-fed to health and then adopted, and she soon knew what it was to have a family's love. Layla was a big dog and she marched beside her family for 15 years through a few homes, across two states, and through the birth of two babies who turned into little kids on her watch.
She loved chasing frisbees, leaping off the back deck -- sometimes into a few inches of snow, greeting her people when they got home, barking at strangers, pulling ahead on leash walks, eating peanut butter or Beggin Strips, and sleeping on the floor beside the desk for long hours.
Dr. Holt had the pleasure of spending time and chatting with Layla's littlest humans throughout the appointment. We are beyond lucky to have such wonderful clients. Layla's sweet and loving family will miss her so very much🌈🐾❤️

04/12/2023

Sweet girl Jazzmin went to the next ridge last Friday evening. She was her dad's Father’s Day present, and he describes her as his family's guardian and friend. Her family will miss the slobbers, the giant wet kisses and how she interacted with the kids. Jazzmin was very well-loved and will be so missed ❤️🐾🌈 Jeff Knepper

30/11/2023

This sweetheart, Chloe, went to the next ridge on Monday afternoon. Even though she was little, she had a very big heart. She loved looking out the window, playing with her toys, and being around family. When she lost her mobility, her amazing family adapted their lives to make her more comfortable. Chloe had a favorite recliner where she would sleep on her mom's chest and watch game shows. Chloe was so loved and will be dearly missed.❤️🐾🌈

17/11/2023

We will be out of the office starting Monday 11/20 and returning 11/27. We will be catching some sun with family and friends. There is some availability for appointments this weekend.
The Next Ridge wishes everyone a healthy, Happy Thanksgiving!🐾❤️🦃

14/11/2023

The Next Ridge was proud to sponsor adorable Tilli, The Daily Athenaeum's Pet of the Week last week❤️🐾😍:

"Meet Tilli! Tilli is super playful, friendly and inquisitive. She loves hikes, swimming and sleeping after a long day. Tilli is smaller than the average cocker spaniel which makes her that much cuter. She can sit, lay down, shake and stay for her favorite treat - peanut butter cracker dog treats."