Pet Urn Business Run From Hog Barn

Pet Urn Business Run From Hog Barn LIVESTOCK Hogs (33) 29-6-6 eople in the U.S. spend more than $30 billion a year on pets. So it's probably not surprising that Bob Redalen has found a good market making urns for cremated ashes. His wood urns range from tiny boxes for small pets that sell for $8 up to 18 by 12 by 12-in. urns for horses that sell for $200. Redalen recently shipped off an order for 25 horse urns made from old lumber picked up at farm auctions. It's a business he got into by accident, but one that at times keeps him busy 70 to 80 hours a week. Although he started out making urns for human ashes, soon he found himself making them for dogs, cats and horses. These days he also offers imitation marble and some metal urns, but wooden urns are his mainstay. "For a lot of people, especially those without kids, their pets are family, and when the pet dies, they want something nice to hold its ashes," says Redalen. His business, Hilltop Woodworking, is run out of an old hog barn. He sells urns throughout the U.S. Fashioned from oak, walnut, cherry and maple, they can be as simple as a small straight-sided box. They can also be very sophisticated with base molding, curved sides and elaborate top molding. A plate on the bottom secured by screws is removed, and ashes are inserted. The urns can also be customized in a number of ways from mounted photos to laser engraved images and memorials. "I make some with clocks on the side," says Redalen. "People can set them on a shelf, and no one even knows it's also an urn." Laser engraving allows him to create memorials using photos or other artwork. Redalen designed and patented a special mounting plate for the sides of his urns. The spring loaded mount can hold an engraved plate or a photo of the deceased person or pet. To change photos or plates, all the owner has to do is press a piece of scotch tape to the glass or plate and pull it away. Marketing the hardwood urns is an ongoing challenge. His wife Marcia helps him prepare catalogs and brochures. The two work directly with funeral home operators as well as veterinarians and businesses that specialize in pet cremation. Another challenge is trying to read the market. The busiest season seems to be the winter months. However, working ahead during the slow time can be tricky. Tastes in the type of wood can change. "For a while, maple was very popular," says Redalen. "Now it's walnut, but that could change again." Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Hilltop Woodworking, Route 1, Box 250, Chatfield, Minn. 55923 (ph 507 867-9127; fax 888 216-6646; bobrtr@earthlink.net).

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