It has been said that all dogs go to heaven, and no one believed this more than artist Stephen Huneck. Huneck went so far as to build a chapel for dogs in St. Johnsbury where dogs are celebrated and remembered in this unique setting. Let’s take a look at the history of the Dog Chapel in Vermont – there’s no other place in the world quite like it. Of all the roadside attractions in Vermont, this one definitely deserves the attention.

Stephen Huneck was an American wood carving artist, furniture maker, painter and author. Most of his artwork revolved around dogs and his main character was modeled after his black Labrador Retriever named Sally.

Huneck was living in Rochester, Vermont as an antiques dealer when his work was first discovered. A man found one of Huneck’s wood carvings, an angel, in the back of his pickup truck. Not thinking the man would pay a high amount, Huneck quoted a price tag of $1,000. Not only did the man buy it, he was an art dealer from Manhattan.

Today, Huneck’s artwork can be found in permanent collections at the Smithsonian, Dog Museum of America and the American Kennel club. Additionally, he was commissioned for pieces for celebrities and politicians such as Sandra Bullock, Dr. Phil McGraw and Senator Pat Leahy.

In 1997, after a near death experience with respiratory distress syndrome, which left Huneck in a coma for two months, he awoke with a vision to build the Dog Chapel, located next to his studio in St. Johnsbury.

During his recovery, he had thought a lot about death and rituals of closure which humans take part in. Since dogs are family members too, he wanted to create a ritual place to achieve closure for those who lose a beloved dog.

The mission of the Dog Chapel is: Welcome, All Creeds, All Breeds, No Dogmas Allowed.

The doctors had little hope for his recovery, but Huneck overcame all odds and learned to walk, write and carve all over again.

Huneck didn’t let the breadth and cost of the project deter him. He put out the word to friends who may know of antique buildings that were being torn down to acquire materials, particularly stained glass windows.

One day while in his studio, Huneck received a call about a recently demolished church in upstate New York which had windows that would be perfect.

Huneck knew the windows would work and decided to figure out how to come up with the $6,000 for the stained glass another time. Where there’s a will, there’s a way!

The "way" turned out to be in the gallery at the exact moment Huneck received the call.

A couple overheard Huneck’s conversation and asked him about the project for the Dog Chapel. Being dog lovers themselves, they loved the idea and offered him $6,000 on the spot to secure the windows in exchange for a 6 foot harvest table out of Tiger Maple.

The deal was made and the reality of the Dog Chapel started to come together. The windows were perfect and Huneck added dog motifs in the circular panels to complete the vision.

Construction to build this chapel dedicated to dogs took three years to complete and has carved wooden pews and dog themed stained glass windows along with a doggy door next to the human sized door.

The Dog Chapel, which was built in the the style of an 1820s Vermont church, opened its doors on Memorial Day Weekend in 2000.

The Hunecks invited everyone who came to the Dog Chapel to bring a photo and a few sentences about their departed dog to put on a wall of remembrance.

A wall had been set aside in the foyer with the hope that someday it would be full of remembrance notes…

Today, every bit of the chapel is covered in notes.

It is a moving experience, both happy and sad. It’s a wonderful way to try to achieve a bit of closure, as well as celebrate the wonderful times we have had with our beloved pooches.

Not wanting the chapel to be a sad experience, Huneck made Dog Mountain a place where dogs are welcomed and celebrated with wonderful hiking trails, wildflowers and dog ponds.

Naturally, there is no leash law on Dog Mountain, and dogs are free to run, play, swim and play with other dogs. In fact, owners are asked to take their dogs off leash to enjoy the 150 acres of dog friendly land! If you have a dog, this is definitely one of those things to see in Vermont that can't be missed.

Huneck believed that dogs brought people closer to nature. They give such unconditional love and ask for so little in return.

The Hunecks held gatherings for dogs and their owners. They even held contests such as loudest bark, biggest/smallest dog, best dog kiss, etc.

Several times a year, the Stephen Huneck Gallery on Dog Mountain continues to host incredible Dog Parties. Hundreds of people and dogs alike have enjoyed these epic events.

Dog Mountain is always open, even if the gallery and chapel are closed.

Huneck passed away in 2010 and Gwen just three years after. Their legacy lives on in both the art as well as the Dog Chapel and Dog Mountain in St. Johnsbury.

We like to think there is a special place in doggie heaven just for them.

Hug your four legged friend a little tighter today. Share this story of Dog Chapel in Vermont with other dog lovers!

What unique places in Vermont have you visited and recommend? Let us know below in the comments section.