This week the Travel Channel is in Vermont filming a piece on the best dog friendly destinations. They have chosen Dog Mountain in St. Johnsbury, VT, owned by the late artist Stephen Huneck and his wife Gwendolyn. It truly is a haven for dogs who can romp off-leash to their hearts content through 150 acres of mountain trails, ponds and wildflower meadows.
For those of you who might not be familiar with Stephen Huneck, he was a legendary dog lover and acclaimed folk artist. I love folk art in all of its forms; paintings, carvings, furniture, etc., but none more so than the whimsical work of Stephen Huneck. His beloved black lab, Sally, inspired a series of children's books and artwork that found an international audience well beyond his home in Vermont.
Stephen and Gwen purchased the property in 1995 and converted an old barn into an artist's studio. After an accident and a serious illness that left him in a coma for months, Stephen was inspired to build a chapel for dogs on their mountain. Modeled after an early 1800's New England style church with a winged labrador topping the steeple, he called it, "the largest artwork of my life, and my most personal."
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| Stained glass window inside the chapel |
On Memorial Day 2000 Dog Chapel was complete and open to the public; "welcoming all breeds, creeds-no dogma allowed."
Sadly, Stephen died in January of 2010, but his widow, Gwen, continues with his legacy, determined to keep Dog Mountain open for the enjoyment of all dogs and their owners. "At the Stephen Huneck Gallery dogs are welcome and there is always a good supply of treats on hand, a small gesture to thank dogs for all they give."
Contact Info
The Stephen Huneck Gallery
Dog Mountain
143 Parks Road
Saint Johnsbury, VT 05819
www.dogmt.com
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