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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
What unique places in Vermont have you visited and recommend? Let us know below in the comments section.
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Dog Chapel in Vermont
Luke|August 04, 2020
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.
