It has been said that all dogs go to heaven, and no one believed this more than artist Stephen Huneck. Huneck went so far as to build a chapel for dogs in St. Johnsbury where dogs are celebrated and remembered in this unique setting. Let’s take a look at the history of the Dog Chapel in Vermont – there’s no other place in the world quite like it. Of all the roadside attractions in Vermont, this one definitely deserves the attention.
wikipedia.org Stephen Huneck was an American wood carving artist, furniture maker, painter and author. Most of his artwork revolved around dogs and his main character was modeled after his black Labrador Retriever named Sally.
Flickr/bazusa Huneck was living in Rochester, Vermont as an antiques dealer when his work was first discovered. A man found one of Huneck’s wood carvings, an angel, in the back of his pickup truck. Not thinking the man would pay a high amount, Huneck quoted a price tag of $1,000. Not only did the man buy it, he was an art dealer from Manhattan.
Flickr/Renée Johnson Today, Huneck’s artwork can be found in permanent collections at the Smithsonian, Dog Museum of America and the American Kennel club. Additionally, he was commissioned for pieces for celebrities and politicians such as Sandra Bullock, Dr. Phil McGraw and Senator Pat Leahy.
Flickr/Jay Parker In 1997, after a near death experience with respiratory distress syndrome, which left Huneck in a coma for two months, he awoke with a vision to build the Dog Chapel, located next to his studio in St. Johnsbury.
Flickr/Sarah Mirk During his recovery, he had thought a lot about death and rituals of closure which humans take part in. Since dogs are family members too, he wanted to create a ritual place to achieve closure for those who lose a beloved dog.
Flickr/Renée Johnson The mission of the Dog Chapel is: Welcome, All Creeds, All Breeds, No Dogmas Allowed.
Flickr/Geoff Dude The doctors had little hope for his recovery, but Huneck overcame all odds and learned to walk, write and carve all over again.
Flickr/Geoff Dude Huneck didn’t let the breadth and cost of the project deter him. He put out the word to friends who may know of antique buildings that were being torn down to acquire materials, particularly stained glass windows.
Flickr/ann-dabney One day while in his studio, Huneck received a call about a recently demolished church in upstate New York which had windows that would be perfect.
Photo courtesy of Kelly Burch Huneck knew the windows would work and decided to figure out how to come up with the $6,000 for the stained glass another time. Where there’s a will, there’s a way!
Flickr/Renée Johnson The “way” turned out to be in the gallery at the exact moment Huneck received the call.
Flickr/Geoff Dude A couple overheard Huneck’s conversation and asked him about the project for the Dog Chapel. Being dog lovers themselves, they loved the idea and offered him $6,000 on the spot to secure the windows in exchange for a 6 foot harvest table out of Tiger Maple.
Flickr/benjamin_scott_florin The deal was made and the reality of the Dog Chapel started to come together. The windows were perfect and Huneck added dog motifs in the circular panels to complete the vision.
Flickr/benjamin_scott_florin Construction to build this chapel dedicated to dogs took three years to complete and has carved wooden pews and dog themed stained glass windows along with a doggy door next to the human sized door.
Flickr/bazusa The Dog Chapel, which was built in the the style of an 1820s Vermont church, opened its doors on Memorial Day Weekend in 2000.
Flickr/ann-dabney The Hunecks invited everyone who came to the Dog Chapel to bring a photo and a few sentences about their departed dog to put on a wall of remembrance.
Flickr/Jo Amelia Finlay Bever A wall had been set aside in the foyer with the hope that someday it would be full of remembrance notes…
Flickr/Geoff Dude Today, every bit of the chapel is covered in notes.
Flickr/Geoff Dude It is a moving experience, both happy and sad. It’s a wonderful way to try to achieve a bit of closure, as well as celebrate the wonderful times we have had with our beloved pooches.
Flickr/Geoff Dude Not wanting the chapel to be a sad experience, Huneck made Dog Mountain a place where dogs are welcomed and celebrated with wonderful hiking trails, wildflowers and dog ponds.
Flickr/Patrick Naturally, there is no leash law on Dog Mountain, and dogs are free to run, play, swim and play with other dogs. In fact, owners are asked to take their dogs off leash to enjoy the 150 acres of dog friendly land! If you have a dog, this is definitely one of those things to see in Vermont that can’t be missed.
Flickr/benjamin_scott_florin Huneck believed that dogs brought people closer to nature. They give such unconditional love and ask for so little in return.
Flickr/Geoff Dude The Hunecks held gatherings for dogs and their owners. They even held contests such as loudest bark, biggest/smallest dog, best dog kiss, etc.
Flickr/WBUR Boston’s NPR News Station Several times a year, the Stephen Huneck Gallery on Dog Mountain continues to host incredible Dog Parties. Hundreds of people and dogs alike have enjoyed these epic events.
Photo courtesy of Kelly Burch Dog Mountain is always open, even if the gallery and chapel are closed.
Photo courtesy of Kelly Burch Huneck passed away in 2010 and Gwen just three years after. Their legacy lives on in both the art as well as the Dog Chapel and Dog Mountain in St. Johnsbury.
Flickr/Ann-Dabney We like to think there is a special place in doggie heaven just for them.
Hug your four legged friend a little tighter today. Share this story of Dog Chapel in Vermont with other dog lovers!
wikipedia.org
Stephen Huneck was an American wood carving artist, furniture maker, painter and author. Most of his artwork revolved around dogs and his main character was modeled after his black Labrador Retriever named Sally.
Flickr/bazusa
Huneck was living in Rochester, Vermont as an antiques dealer when his work was first discovered. A man found one of Huneck’s wood carvings, an angel, in the back of his pickup truck. Not thinking the man would pay a high amount, Huneck quoted a price tag of $1,000. Not only did the man buy it, he was an art dealer from Manhattan.
Flickr/Renée Johnson
Today, Huneck’s artwork can be found in permanent collections at the Smithsonian, Dog Museum of America and the American Kennel club. Additionally, he was commissioned for pieces for celebrities and politicians such as Sandra Bullock, Dr. Phil McGraw and Senator Pat Leahy.
Flickr/Jay Parker
In 1997, after a near death experience with respiratory distress syndrome, which left Huneck in a coma for two months, he awoke with a vision to build the Dog Chapel, located next to his studio in St. Johnsbury.
Flickr/Sarah Mirk
During his recovery, he had thought a lot about death and rituals of closure which humans take part in. Since dogs are family members too, he wanted to create a ritual place to achieve closure for those who lose a beloved dog.
The mission of the Dog Chapel is: Welcome, All Creeds, All Breeds, No Dogmas Allowed.
Flickr/Geoff Dude
The doctors had little hope for his recovery, but Huneck overcame all odds and learned to walk, write and carve all over again.
Huneck didn’t let the breadth and cost of the project deter him. He put out the word to friends who may know of antique buildings that were being torn down to acquire materials, particularly stained glass windows.
Flickr/ann-dabney
One day while in his studio, Huneck received a call about a recently demolished church in upstate New York which had windows that would be perfect.
Photo courtesy of Kelly Burch
Huneck knew the windows would work and decided to figure out how to come up with the $6,000 for the stained glass another time. Where there’s a will, there’s a way!
The “way” turned out to be in the gallery at the exact moment Huneck received the call.
A couple overheard Huneck’s conversation and asked him about the project for the Dog Chapel. Being dog lovers themselves, they loved the idea and offered him $6,000 on the spot to secure the windows in exchange for a 6 foot harvest table out of Tiger Maple.
Flickr/benjamin_scott_florin
The deal was made and the reality of the Dog Chapel started to come together. The windows were perfect and Huneck added dog motifs in the circular panels to complete the vision.
Construction to build this chapel dedicated to dogs took three years to complete and has carved wooden pews and dog themed stained glass windows along with a doggy door next to the human sized door.
The Dog Chapel, which was built in the the style of an 1820s Vermont church, opened its doors on Memorial Day Weekend in 2000.
The Hunecks invited everyone who came to the Dog Chapel to bring a photo and a few sentences about their departed dog to put on a wall of remembrance.
Flickr/Jo Amelia Finlay Bever
A wall had been set aside in the foyer with the hope that someday it would be full of remembrance notes…
Today, every bit of the chapel is covered in notes.
It is a moving experience, both happy and sad. It’s a wonderful way to try to achieve a bit of closure, as well as celebrate the wonderful times we have had with our beloved pooches.
Not wanting the chapel to be a sad experience, Huneck made Dog Mountain a place where dogs are welcomed and celebrated with wonderful hiking trails, wildflowers and dog ponds.
Flickr/Patrick
Naturally, there is no leash law on Dog Mountain, and dogs are free to run, play, swim and play with other dogs. In fact, owners are asked to take their dogs off leash to enjoy the 150 acres of dog friendly land! If you have a dog, this is definitely one of those things to see in Vermont that can’t be missed.
Huneck believed that dogs brought people closer to nature. They give such unconditional love and ask for so little in return.
The Hunecks held gatherings for dogs and their owners. They even held contests such as loudest bark, biggest/smallest dog, best dog kiss, etc.
Flickr/WBUR Boston’s NPR News Station
Several times a year, the Stephen Huneck Gallery on Dog Mountain continues to host incredible Dog Parties. Hundreds of people and dogs alike have enjoyed these epic events.
Dog Mountain is always open, even if the gallery and chapel are closed.
Huneck passed away in 2010 and Gwen just three years after. Their legacy lives on in both the art as well as the Dog Chapel and Dog Mountain in St. Johnsbury.
Flickr/Ann-Dabney
We like to think there is a special place in doggie heaven just for them.
What unique places in Vermont have you visited and recommend? Let us know below in the comments section.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: Dog Mountain, Home of Stephen Huneck Gallery, 143 Parks Rd, St Johnsbury, VT 05819, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Dog Chapel in Vermont August 04, 2020 Luke What are the best little known attractions in Vermont? We all know some of the main attractions in Vermont, like our state parks, popular swimming holes, and museums, but perhaps few know about these equally interesting and fun little-known attractions in Vermont: 1) Mount Independence in Orwell. Visit this place to learn more about Vermont history and see a beautiful old Vermont town. 2) Norman Rockwell Exhibit in Arlington. Stop by this little roadside attraction and learn about the famous modern painter who lived in Vermont. 3) The Chapel at the von Trapp Family Lodge. This quaint chapel is located on one of the walking paths at the gorgeous Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe. What are the best things about living in Vermont? One paragraph cannot possibly suffice, but a few that come to mind immediately are: access to pristine and natural areas and parks, organic and healthy food, environmentally and socially aware residents, friendly locals, dog friendly, and a relaxed and casual way of life. Vermont is a wonderful place to live if you don’t mind living in a small city or little town, which for us, is one of the best reasons to live in Vermont – no large cities. If you love nature and want to live a healthy life, Vermont is one of the best places to live in the U.S. What are the most unique towns in Vermont? Vermont is home to many fascinating and unique little towns, many of which have a small town feel and retain much of their history. The small town of Brownington in the Northeast Kingdom is an historical and quaint little town, with 10 buildings dedicated to the National Register of Historic Places. Another unique town in Vermont is, well, not a town, but a city, our capital. Montpelier is the smallest state capital in the U.S. and has a charming and organic downtown full of restaurants and mom-and-pop businesses.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Dog Chapel in Vermont
August 04, 2020
Luke
What are the best little known attractions in Vermont? We all know some of the main attractions in Vermont, like our state parks, popular swimming holes, and museums, but perhaps few know about these equally interesting and fun little-known attractions in Vermont: 1) Mount Independence in Orwell. Visit this place to learn more about Vermont history and see a beautiful old Vermont town. 2) Norman Rockwell Exhibit in Arlington. Stop by this little roadside attraction and learn about the famous modern painter who lived in Vermont. 3) The Chapel at the von Trapp Family Lodge. This quaint chapel is located on one of the walking paths at the gorgeous Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe. What are the best things about living in Vermont? One paragraph cannot possibly suffice, but a few that come to mind immediately are: access to pristine and natural areas and parks, organic and healthy food, environmentally and socially aware residents, friendly locals, dog friendly, and a relaxed and casual way of life. Vermont is a wonderful place to live if you don’t mind living in a small city or little town, which for us, is one of the best reasons to live in Vermont – no large cities. If you love nature and want to live a healthy life, Vermont is one of the best places to live in the U.S. What are the most unique towns in Vermont? Vermont is home to many fascinating and unique little towns, many of which have a small town feel and retain much of their history. The small town of Brownington in the Northeast Kingdom is an historical and quaint little town, with 10 buildings dedicated to the National Register of Historic Places. Another unique town in Vermont is, well, not a town, but a city, our capital. Montpelier is the smallest state capital in the U.S. and has a charming and organic downtown full of restaurants and mom-and-pop businesses.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
We all know some of the main attractions in Vermont, like our state parks, popular swimming holes, and museums, but perhaps few know about these equally interesting and fun little-known attractions in Vermont: 1) Mount Independence in Orwell. Visit this place to learn more about Vermont history and see a beautiful old Vermont town. 2) Norman Rockwell Exhibit in Arlington. Stop by this little roadside attraction and learn about the famous modern painter who lived in Vermont. 3) The Chapel at the von Trapp Family Lodge. This quaint chapel is located on one of the walking paths at the gorgeous Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe.
What are the best things about living in Vermont?
One paragraph cannot possibly suffice, but a few that come to mind immediately are: access to pristine and natural areas and parks, organic and healthy food, environmentally and socially aware residents, friendly locals, dog friendly, and a relaxed and casual way of life. Vermont is a wonderful place to live if you don’t mind living in a small city or little town, which for us, is one of the best reasons to live in Vermont – no large cities. If you love nature and want to live a healthy life, Vermont is one of the best places to live in the U.S.
What are the most unique towns in Vermont?
Vermont is home to many fascinating and unique little towns, many of which have a small town feel and retain much of their history. The small town of Brownington in the Northeast Kingdom is an historical and quaint little town, with 10 buildings dedicated to the National Register of Historic Places. Another unique town in Vermont is, well, not a town, but a city, our capital. Montpelier is the smallest state capital in the U.S. and has a charming and organic downtown full of restaurants and mom-and-pop businesses.
