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Dog Mountain came to our attention when Susie and I were at Camp Gone to the Dogs. The proceeds from an auction at the end of our week at camp were dedicated to the support of Dog Mountain in northeastern Vermont near St.Johnsbury. Unfortunately our schedule did not allow for a visit on this trip, since we were traveling up the western side of the state into Canada on our way to Montreal.
Upon returning home we checked out the Dog Mountain web site and signed up for their newsletter. Both of the founders of Dog Mountain, Stephen and Gwendolyn Huneck, have passed away and their friends are working hard to continue their good work and to fulfill their vision. New friends are always welcome and Susie and I both consider ourselves among that number.
Dog Mountain is essentially a super dog park that sits in the beautiful hills and mountains of northeast Vermont. One of the many things that makes Dog Mountain a unique place is the Dog Chapel which contains remembrances for people’s dogs who have passed on to doggie heaven. A sign outside of the chapel says, “No dogmas allowed.”
The Huneck’s vision was to create the chapel and a place where the spiritual connection with our dogs could be emphasized. Also to provide a place: “where hundreds of dogs and people could find Joy, Love, and Friendship, by hiking the miles of trails, enjoying the swimming pond for dogs and the breathtaking views. “ The initial mission was accomplished in the creation of Dog Mountain and the Dog Chapel, but as all things it requires that others pick up the torch and keep the vision alive and Dog Mountain open.
There is a store on the Dog Mountain web site that offers a wide selection of great dog related and dog mountain products such as prints, mugs, books, apparel, and most recently a set of seven prayer flags in seven different colors made in Nepal, but with Stephen’s image of an angel dog with wings and the seven different qualities we enjoy with our pets on each flag. The seven qualities are Love, Friend, Joy, Faith, Play, Trust and Peace. Susie and I ordered our set and already have received it.
Dog Mountain and the Dog Chapel are truly an amazing concept and destination for dog lovers everywhere. We need more places like this around the world to celebrate our amazing connection with our canine friends and companions. If you know of any others, please let Susie know so we can share them with all our friends, both human and canine. Who knows – we might be able to establish something similar in our area to celebrate our pets both in life and in their passing.
October 13, 2023
