Vermont Adventures: Dog Mountain

If there is a heaven on earth for dogs (and the people who love them), it is Dog Mountain.

From their website:

Dog Mountain is set on 150 acres on a private mountain top spot in St. Johnsbury, Vermont. The unspoiled haven is covered with hiking trails and dog ponds. Wildflowers abound in the summer and snow shoeing is a favorite activity in the winter. Dogs are not just welcome here, they are cherished!

And that is the truth! Honey Ham could sense something great as we pulled onto the long drive up to the property. She just new that she was about to have some serious dog fun.

To say it was amazing is an understatement. First of all, we are not used to such a dog friendly environment! This place is all about the dogs. We cannot say enough good things about the staff there. Everyone was smiling at Ham and didn't even get mad at her when she went behind the register and started rummaging for tennis balls!

They didn't care that she was sniffing around the food tables!

They were fine with her drinking from their water bowls and leaving jowl puddles on their floor!

They let her play with their toys!

And run where ever she wanted!

And run she did! We have never seen little Ham run so fast before!

She ran over the hills and through the wild flowers.

She ran right up to the Dog Chapel.

And through the chapel doggie door.

She paid her respects at the alter.

We looked around and tried not to cry.

The walls are packed floor to ceiling with notes and pictures from humans whose best friends (dogs) have passed.

It is very emotional.

And very beautiful.

All the gorgeous artwork, wood carvings, etc. is the work of Stephen Huneck.

We had seen a few of his pieces through the years and liked them, but we never knew about the artist, his story or the extent of his work. To learn more about Stephen Huneck check out this link. It makes us sad that he is no longer here to continue to create. We are so thankful that he left all of us Dog Mountain and that his wife continues to keep it going in his memory.

If you like dogs and/or art, please visit their website and buy something or donate a few dollars to help save Dog Mountain. They are having issues with taxes (BOOO TAXES!!!). Read their story and you will want to help.

Right now they are having a really great discount by using the code SAVE. You will get 55% off all original limited edition woodcut prints, including framing! WOW! We have our eyes on a few prints that would be a nice addition to our walls. When we visited we bought the Sled Dogs Vermont - Giclee print and its gorgeous. It came in a sturdy, black wood frame and its a perfect way to remember our love for Vermont and our times there.

OK, thats all. Now go shopping on their website and plan your trip to Dog Mountain!