
Nestled within rolling hills, nature trails and swimming ponds of northeast Vermont, Stephen Huneck created that very place. Built in the style of an 1820’s Vermont church, the Dog Chapel, atop Dog Mountain in St. Johnsbury, is open to “all creeds and all breeds” as noted on the welcome sign. The idea to build such a chapel came to Stephen while he was recovering from a life threatening illness. Combining his compassion for dogs and talent for art, the dog chapel became a three year labor of love, sparing no expense until it mirrored the vision in Stephen’s mind. And the people (and pups) came. From all corners of the country those seeking comfort over the loss of their dog, attach photos and any words or prayers they want to share on the remembrance wall. Now, after 10 years these photos have filled the entire chapel. “We thought about adding photos to the ceiling,” says Gwen Huneck, Stephen’s wife, “but we decided to overlap them. Photos will never be taken down.” This ritual of placing the photos on the wall and just knowing they are there among many others, has helped people to heal. And that’s what Stephen wanted.

There was no limit to Stephen’s artistic creativity. He started out as an antique dealer and in his spare time, created art. He was discovered by a Madison Avenue dealer who fell in love with an angel wood carving Stephen had in the back of his truck. Right there on the spot the dealer paid a hefty price for the carving and that’s when things took off. Some of Stephen’s pieces are displayed in the Smithsonian Institute, the Dog Museum of America and the American Kennel Club. He was able to work in any medium—woods, paints, furniture, jewelry, sand casting—the list goes on. Just when he’d master one craft he was anxious to explore something new. Everyday he was inspired by breathtaking views of the mountains along with his dogs. He also loved listening to positive, upbeat music in the studio and avoided the use of heavy power tools which would drown out the sound.

Sadly, Stephen passed away in 2010. His legacy lives on through the lives of those he touched and his compassionate spirit is very much alive in the art he created. Stephen always gave generously to people, animals and causes that were dear to him and Gwen says that he lived his life “genuinely treating others the way he would want to be treated.” She also shares a simple message about Stephen and how he strived to live each day: “Life for Stephen was about love, joy, compassion, empathy and enjoying yourself. And most importantly, having fun while you’re alive.” I bet if our dogs could talk, they’d say the very same thing.
The Dog Chapel and the Stephen Huneck Gallery at Dog Mountain is approximately three hours away from Boston and Hartford, Mass. They are open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. On October 10, 2010 they will be celebrating their annual fall festival honoring Stephen’s life and work. All are welcome. For more information on the Dog Chapel and the Stephen Huneck gallery please visit dogmt.com.