It has been two years since my beloved Daisy passed away. So it seemed fitting that on a visit to Vermont this week, my mother and sister stopped at the chapel on Dog Mountain to make a donation in her memory.
Here are their photos:
In loving memory of Daisy (2000 to 2014)
See more at Vermont’s dog chapel
Kathleen Crisley, specialist in dog massage, rehabilitation and nutrition/food therapy, The Balanced Dog, Christchurch, New Zealand
Penny, front and center, posed with the family following the wedding of Linnea Elizabeth Sanderson and Dr. Robert Collier Davidson, right, in February. Credit Kieran Kesner for The New York Times
Dogs are part of the family and, increasingly, they are being included in their owner’s Big Day. (I’m invited to a wedding in October that will include the couple’s dogs – Bernese Mountain Dogs – and look forward to sharing that with my readers).
In this article from the New York Times, a Vermont-based photographer says that half of the weddings on his schedule this season involve a dog. And most of the owners interviewed say that they wouldn’t think of not involving their beloved dog in the ceremony.
Did you include your dog in your wedding? I’d love to see the photos!
Kathleen Crisley, specialist in dog massage, rehabilitation and nutrition/food therapy, The Balanced Dog, Christchurch, New Zealand
Posted in Dogs, dogs and families, dogs and holidays
Tagged dog chapel, dogs in the wedding, New York times, photography, weddings
Stephen Huneck was the founder of Dog Mountain in St Johnsbury, Vermont. An artist and sculptor who suffered from ill health, he wanted people and dogs to have the most fun they possibly could and enjoy their time together. He cleared hiking trails and made ponds for dogs to swim in. In the winter, he encouraged people to come and snowshoe with their dogs.
He also established a chapel in the year 2000 where people could pay respects to their dogs who had passed or come and reflect in the company of their dog. Stephen believed in the healing powers of dogs, nature, art and love and wanted to use his Vermont property in support of those values.
The walls of the chapel are covered with photos, poems and recollections of dogs who have crossed The Rainbow Bridge.
On Dog Mountain, there are also special parties like Dog Fest where dogs and people come together. At these events, owners are encouraged to let their dogs off lead to play and act like ‘real dogs.’ These events also help to raise funds to keep Dog Mountain operating.
It’s a very special place and worthy of a visit when you travel to northern Vermont.
Kathleen Crisley, specialist in dog massage, rehabilitation and nutrition/food therapy, The Balanced Dog, Christchurch, New Zealand
Posted in Dogs
Tagged dog chapel, northern vermont, Rainbow Bridge, real dogs, St Johnsbury, st johnsbury vermont, Stephen Huneck, Vermont
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