Dog Mountain (dog park) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Dog Mountain |
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The Dog Chapel at Dog Mountain in 2013
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| Location | St. Johnsbury, Vermont |
| Elevation | 899 metres (2,949 ft) |
| Created | 1995 |
| Operated by | Friends of Dog Mountain |
| Open | Fri–Sun: 10 am–5 pm |
Dog Mountain is a special place in St. Johnsbury, Vermont, where dogs and their human friends can explore 150 acres of trails, a pond, and open fields. It was started by Vermont folk artists Stephen Huneck and Gwen Huneck. Dog Mountain has an art gallery showing Stephen's unique dog art. It's also home to The Dog Chapel, a beautiful church-like building filled with dog sculptures, stained-glass, and paintings made by Stephen. After Stephen passed away in 2010 and Gwen in 2013, a non-profit group called Friends of Dog Mountain now takes care of this amazing place.
The Story of Dog Mountain
Stephen and Gwen Huneck were artists who loved dogs. Stephen learned to carve wood and started making sculptures of dogs. He built The Dog Chapel in St. Johnsbury, Vermont. He wanted it to be a place where dog owners could spend time with their pets. They also hoped it would be a comforting spot for people to remember dogs they had lost.
The small chapel is filled with thousands of notes and pictures. People leave these to honor their beloved pets. Stephen's carvings are also inside the chapel. He built the chapel himself. It looks like a classic Vermont village church from the 1820s.
Challenges and New Beginnings
Around 2008, the Hunecks faced financial difficulties. They needed to sell many of Stephen's artworks. This included prints, sculptures, furniture, and books. It was hard to do this during that time.
Stephen passed away in 2010. Gwen then worked hard to keep Dog Mountain open. She also passed away in 2013. After their passing, a non-profit organization stepped in. The "Friends of Dog Mountain" now manage the property. They make sure Dog Mountain stays open for everyone.
Dog Mountain on Film
A documentary film was made about Dog Mountain. It is called Dog Mountain: A Love Story. Dan Collison and Elizabeth Meister produced this film. It received support from the National Endowment for the Arts. It also got help from KCRW’s Independent Producer Project.
