We’re a small team of women with big hearts and a passion for dogs.
Our Team
Rachel Nancekivell
Hi, I’m Rachel, the founder and owner of The Ridge! My husband Terry and I have two kids, Sully and Maeve, and our Great Dane named Birdie.
In 2015, we bought my grandparents’ farm—a place where my mom grew up and I frequented with all my cousins and family. We’ve been slowly making it our own ever since, including building The Ridge here. It’s a really special place to our family, and getting to raise our kids here while doing something I love means so much to me.
Dogs have always been a huge part of my life. One of my favourite parts of running The Ridge is getting to know your dogs—their personalities, funny little habits, and the families who love them.
I’m proud of the team we’ve built and how much they care. The Ridge is a big part of our home and our lives, and I love being able to share it with you.
Founder & Owner
Emily Drury
Emily and Rachel became close in 2021 when they welcomed Letty and Sully, alongside their mutual friend Kristin, who also had a baby that year. Somewhere along the way, Rachel casually mentioned wanting to start The Ridge and told Emily she should do it with her. The rest is history! They spent their maternity leave renovating the old cattle barn, with their husbands, dogs, and babies by their sides.
Emily oversees the day-to-day running of The Ridge, supports our team, and keeps everything running smoothly if Rachel is away.
With four dogs and two children of her own, Emily has so much love to give. She’s incredibly caring and empathetic, and it shows in the way the dogs gravitate toward her. For so many of the dogs staying with us, Emily quickly becomes their person.
Co-Founder & Manager
Lead GroomerAbby Venema
Abby joined The Ridge in 2025 and was the perfect addition to our team. As our Lead Groomer, she brings over 10 years of experience and is incredibly talented at grooming dogs of all different coat types. Her attention to detail is amazing, and she takes pride in everything from a beautifully finished groom to a spotless workspace.
She also keeps Rachel and Emily young—or at least tries to! There’s never a shortage of stories or laughter when Abby is around, and we couldn’t imagine The Ridge without her.
Outside of work, Abby shares her life with Clementine, her beautiful Poodle, and Sebastien, her handsome Doberman.
Our Evening & Weekend Team
Grace, Holly, Rachael H., and Kerri are an important part of life at The Ridge, helping care for our dogs with Rachel during evenings and weekends. Each brings their own talents and personality to the team, but they all share a love for the dogs in our care.
Together, they help keep every shift covered and every dog cared for—from playtime and meals to snuggles and bedtime. We’re so grateful for the care they put into making our dogs’ stays comfortable and happy.