PET CEMETERY IS SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS

In six years of business, Dan Byrd has buried dogs, ferrets and goldfish with equal dignity.

He is co-owner and operator of Cedar Hill Pet Cemetery on Highway 177, a quarter-mile from Hobbs Chapel.

The next closest pet cemeteries are in Murphysboro, Ill.; Paducah, Ky.; and St. Louis, so Byrd has a large customer base. He handles about 10 animals a month for people who want more for their animals than a backyard burial under a favorite tree.

Burials range from $45 to $185 or more, depending on whether the customer wants a casket for his pet. Some pet owners ask for deluxe caskets, headstones, time for a service -- the whole works.

"Some even ask to throw the first shovel of dirt and say a little prayer," Byrd said. "A lot of elderly people are very close to their animals and bring fresh flowers for the graves or make homemade markers."

Caskets come with pillows and covers and are available in three different sizes. Byrd buries them three or four feet under the surface.

The only pet cemetery regulation Byrd knows of is, if he hits human bones while digging, he must cease burying animals in that area. It hasn't happened so far.

A student at Southeast Missouri State University, Byrd expects his business will continue for some time.

"There are a lot of people who tell me they think it is really special," he said. "It seems like everyone who comes through here thinks it's the greatest thing."