Gentle Waters is an eco-friendly pet crematory that uses Aquamation as an alternative to traditional flame-based cremation. We recognize the need to provide our community with a more respectful and personal option when dealing with the loss of a beloved pet.
Aquamation is a water-based process that is gentle on your pet and the earth. Gentle Waters is a family-owned and operated business that is run by pet lovers for pet lovers.
Our Story
Over the course of the last two years, we became curious about pet cremation and began researching the process. That’s when we experienced two very major Ah-Ha moments. We had four beloved pets: Brothers, Meryle and Hayes (Red Heelers), Pyper (Golden Doodle), and Toby the cat.
In 2018, we experienced a series of unfortunate circumstances. At that time, we found ourselves in the waiting room of our local veterinary clinic. While waiting to be seen by the doctor, we noticed a lady standing in the back of the line who was clearly distressed.
As she slowly made her way to the front of the line, we watched as her anguish grew. When it was her turn, the receptionist abruptly addressed her, while simultaneously maintaining her phone client.
Quietly, the lady stated that she was there to pick up her pet’s remains. Without skipping a beat, the receptionist reached over and handed the lady a box sealed with packing tape and covered in shipping labels, just like that.
There was not a pause in her phone conversation or a kind and reassuring word said. Nothing. We were dismayed by the lack of respect and compassion shown to this grieving lady. We realized at that moment that there had to be a more personal way to treat this lady and the loss of her beloved pet.
After our experience that day in the waiting room, we decided to actively pursue this new venture. We knew there needed to be a more compassionate approach to the loss of a pet. And we also wanted to explore a more gentle and compassionate solution than flame-based cremation.
With these goals in mind, we began to up-fit our facility in preparation to meet that need. And so, in the middle of 2019, after months of continued research, we experienced our second AH-HA moment: Aquamation.
We knew this was the answer we had been searching for. A gentle, natural process that had no negative impact on the environment. From that day on, we never looked back, bringing Gentle Waters from a dream to a reality.
Meet The Owner
April Adair
April was born and raised in Rock Hill, SC. She lives on a small farm on which the Gentle Waters facility is located. She raises cows, chickens, quail, and has 3 beautiful dogs; Hayes, Pyper, and Wrigley. Over the years, April has raised a wide variety of farm animals. She enjoys spending time with her 3 dogs, gardening, planting flowers, camping, Panthers football, and working around the farm in her free time. She also enjoys living away from the hustle and bustle of the everyday city life. April’s farm, The Rusty Cow Farm & Co., is her little slice of heaven on earth.
