Ramsey couple sells biodegradable burial coffins for small pets

by Elliot Steeves

APG of East Central Minnesota/Union Herald

Ramsey residents Scott and Sarah Line have founded a new company that sells environmentally friendly burial coffins for small pets such as rabbits, reptiles, and hamsters.

Tiny Goodbyes is a company dedicated to providing affordable, earth-friendly solutions for pet owners facing the loss of small pets, the couple wrote an email to ABC Newspapers. They strive to offer products that support emotional healing and environmental stewardship.

The stated goal for the couple is to provide adorable and affordable burial solutions for small pets. They also hope that the product will be therapeutic for those who are suffering from the loss.

“The big point of inspiration for us was the emotional factor as kids process the loss of a pet,” Scott Line said. “They have a lot of emotions that they need to process at that moment.”

The Lines were inspired to create this product, the Cozy Coffin, after their daughter lost a rabbit at the age of 9.

“When that death occurred, we placed the rabbit in a plastic bag and dropped it into the ground,” Scott Line said.

The overlooked emotional pain from this, as well as a pet goldfish flushed down the toilet, inspired the couple to create something that would both educate kids about death, and give them more comfort about how the process works.

“The coffin comes in different sizes, and we’re looking at all sorts of small pets, like mice, rabbits, ferrets, bunnies,” Scott Line said. “There are all sorts of small pets that often get overlooked.”

“A small pet death is often a person’s first experience with death,” the couple wrote in the email. “Oftentimes, we miss the opportunity to process the significance of this start of our relationship with understanding death.”

In addition, the couple wanted to create a cheap, biodegradable option that the many small pet owners could afford, citing the expenses associated with cremation or a vet office.

“The coffins are made of printed cardboard, and are completely biodegradable,” Scott Line said. “They will start decomposing upon burial.”

The coffins arrive in the mail flat, and are assembled with instructions. Each coffin also comes with a conversation guide for parents. The couple wrote that every parent, regardless of age, deserves to grieve the loss of a small pet.

Additionally, the couple detailed how the design of the coffin includes customizable lids, meant for families to personalize the farewell, as well as aid children with the processing emotions.

Ultimately, Tiny Goodbyes hope others support pet owners as they grieve their loss. To purchase a Cozy Coffin visit www.tinygoodbyes.com or email the Lines at info@tinygoodbyes.com.