My Friendly Pets

While Virginia is for lovers, Vermont may well be for dog lovers. Dog lovers from far and near are arriving at St. Johnsbury, Vermont to visit Dog Mountain studio and dog chapel which is the workplace of Stephen Huneck. Huneck is a folk artist who’s works center around the lives of dogs. Huneck, who began by whittling out wooden scuptures of dogs now creates dog themed furniture, woodcut paintings and childrens’ books. His 175 acre farm where the studio and chapel are located may very well be the Disneyland for dogs.

Huneck feels a special connection to dogs and says, “I really believe they’re the great spirit’s special gift to mankind. Dogs teach us more than we teach them.” Huneck had always enjoyed collecting antiques, but started with his dog/art projects in the 1980’s. However, these creations of Huneck are not made with the modern tools of today. He uses classic woodworking tools like chisels, saws and planes. Much of the wood used for his creations come from his farm and can be made from basswood, maple, cherry or pine.

People love the uniqueness of his work. Many describe his furniture and sculptures as having the playfulness of a puppy in them and he captures the true spirit of wonder and fun that the dogs we love so often possess. His art has become very popular and many familiar names are true Huneck dog art collectors. For example Sandra Bullock, Dr. Phil and Senator Patrick Leahy are all collectors of Huneck’s dog art.

The chapel he created began as from an inspiration he had while hospitalized for Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome. He almost died and as he was beginning to get well, Huneck said he had a vision. He wanted to create a place where people not only mourned their dogs, but celebrated their lives and the relationships that we have for those beloved family members. He put several hundred dollars into this haven for pooch lovers and many come to share their loss as well as their joy for the love they shared with their dogs. There are tributes to the many dogs of those who have visited the chapel that now decorate the walls.

The sign on the outside of the chapel says it all, : “Welcome all creeds, all breeds. No dogmas allowed.” and Huneck sums it up best when he says, “I wanted the dogs to know this is their place.” So if you are ever near St. Johnsbury, Vermont, stop in the chapel, say hi to Stephen pay tribute to your dog, just as Huneck does each and every day.

If your weekend isn’t filled with Mother’s Day plans, check out Robert Downey, Jr. in Iron Man and read about it by fellow blogger, LiRa, by clicking here.