Throwback Adventure – Dog Mountain/Dog Chapel – Vermont

In remembering our Shadow I decided to re-post some of our favorite Adventures on our “Throwback Adventure” Thursdays. Shadow had amazing solo Adventures, Adventures with Buster, and Adventures with Wilma. He was one lucky boy! The post today was our Adventure to the Dog Chapel, a spectacular way to honor and appreciate man’s best friend. I have been there with Shadow, and also with Shadow and Wilma. We were able to post Buster’s memorial card in the Chapel, and had such a special and therapeutic experience. It really helped in the healing of loosing our Buster. I look forward to returning to honor our Shadow. Please see below for my original post including photographs and a video.

Yesterday, Shadow, Wilma and I Adventured to Dog Mountain, the home of the well known Dog Chapel. Dog Mountain is a 150 acre property on a mountaintop in St. Johnsbury, Vermont. The property was owned by the talented artist, furniture maker, sculptor and author, Stephen Huneck. Huneck turned his barn into studio space and was the visionary for the Dog Chapel. Much of Huneck’s later work was artwork of dogs and the bond between dogs and humans. Sadly Huneck died at just 61, however his vision lives on. Dog Mountain includes: numerous hiking trails, ponds, the gallery, and the Dog Chapel. They even host a variety of dog friendly events, including parties and concerts.

We had a therapeutic Adventure to Dog Mountain. It was two years ago this weekend that our love, Buster, passed away. Shadow and I visited the Dog Chapel the Winter after Buster died, and since then we have made it an annual visit to remember Buster, and support this absolutely peaceful, therapeutic, and amazingly remarkable location. On our first visit I posted Buster’s remembrance card on the memorialized wall of the Dog Chapel. The gorgeous Dog Chapel is a peaceful experience with quiet music, photographs plastered everywhere, artistic stain glass dog windows, and numerous small features honoring all the dogs that have passed. It was such a special experience that I cannot describe it in words. It almost was like a Memorial Service where you could honor the loyal dog that you loved dearly. Buster was an amazing energetic boy. He had a crazy tail, a happy howl, and a zest for life. He was a year younger then Shadow and they grew up best buds. It was absolutely devastating loosing him, and our experience at Dog Mountain helped provide some great healing and therapy. I highly recommend all those who love animals and have lost a pet visit this one of a kind spot dedicated to man’s best friend.

Although the Chapel was definitely our highlight of Dog Mountain we also enjoyed the trails, gallery, and chatting with other dog lovers. On our visit yesterday we started on one of the trails through the beautiful mountain area, with scenic views. It was very quiet and peaceful and we took in every thought and moment hiking on this grand Dog Mountain. After completing this loop we sat by the pond for a bit enjoying the mountain foliage while Shadow and Wilma enjoyed playing, and drinking some water from the pond. From there were headed to the gallery, so fun to have the dogs included in a shopping experience. Although I initially did not see Huneck’s artwork as “my style”, the meaning behind the art, the place it has become, and the therapy it has provided me, really has turned it into artwork I love and cherish. While in the gallery Shadow spent a good time napping in various spots, while I wandered with Wilma, searching for that perfect purchase. It was great to find some little souvenirs from our visit, therefore supporting this wonderful dedication to man’s best friend. It is just breathtaking seeing all the little details around the gallery, and property, from door knobs of dogs, to statues on the fence, to dog carvings holding up the toilet paper! Every feature was considered in this spectacular labor of love.

And of course we always visit the Chapel a second time before we leave Dog Mountain, soaking in the experience. We were lucky to have some time in solitude to remember all the fun times with our Buster. Not only a beautiful location, but really a glorious experience in all ways. I highly encourage all to visit this dedication of love, Dog Mountain, as nothing can compare. We look forward to next year’s visit to Dog Mountain (Rating: 5)

October 2018