Dog Mountain: New England's Best Dog Park

For most places in the country the term "dog park" usually just applies to a small gated off area where dogs are allowed off their leashes. Most dog parks might have a water fountain and maybe a few obstacles for dogs to run through or around but even that can't be expected everywhere. This is the case with nearly every dog park, a gated bit of land, and the only difference is how nice the general location is. However there is a place in Northeast Vermont that takes the dog park to a whole new level. Dog Mountain, located in St. Johnsbury, Vermont is unlike any other dog park. It's a wonderful place for both dogs and owners and stands as a loving monument to man's best friend.

Dog Mountain lives up to it's name thanks to it's pristine location amongst Vermont's lush mountains. Besides the amazing location there are many things that set this park apart. First there are no chain link fences, the only fence is a wooden one along the driveway to keep dogs from running in front of cars. The rest of the area is open, using natural borders formed by tall grass and rock formations and it makes the location seem even larger than the two acres it occupies. The main area is an open field on a slight incline. During the warmer months there are obstacles set up in this field for dogs to run agility courses if they wish. There's also two nicely sized ponds that are for dogs only, ideal for breeds that enjoy a good swim. This area is where most owners and dogs will congregate. Should any owner decide that they need to break from the crowd there are paths leading to some more isolated areas which also offer magnificent views of the area. Even in these more remote reaches of the park there are still chairs set out for owners and garbage cans to deal with waste disposal.

What may be the single most remember thing about Dog Mountain is the chapel. On the top of the steeple is a dog flying with angel wings and inside is a memorial to beloved pets. There are stained glass depictions of dogs as well as sculptures in the front and along the floor. There are even pews in which people can sit and reflect. Lining the walls, indeed covering them almost entirely, are photographs and written testimonials that people have left to their departed furry friends. There are note cards, pens and tacks for any who wish to write their own memories or prayers and place them on the wall. It's literally a church of love, and for any who has been a dog owner it is heartbreakingly beautiful.

Dog Mountain was created by the artist Stephen Huneck. Huneck was a local artist who always featured dogs in his works, and even wrote a number of picture books about dogs. While his work was not widely known outside New England, Huneck was able to achieve enough success to purchase the land that Dog Mountain now resides on and set up the park. Sadly the economic downturn hit Huneck hard and he took his own life in January of 2010. However Dog Mountain lives on, and as it always was free and open to any and all who wish to visit it.

Dog Mountain is kept open and free thanks to donations made by those who visit it and by the gallery that is housed there. The gallery sells the works of Huneck in all forms, from postcards and t-shirts to art prints and sculptures. Naturally dogs are welcome inside the gallery just as much as their human owners. It is the hope of Huneck's friends and family that Dog Mountain will be able to stand indefinitely as a testament to his love of the animal. Dog Mountain is not just some little fenced off square in a public park where people can drop off their dogs. It's what many may imagine a dog's heaven to be, and it should be seen and visited by any who are able to do so.