Ruff Life

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Created on Friday, 25 October 2013 19:32

Written by Kelly O'Brien

ST. JOHNSBURY - The Northeast Kingdom has something to offer that you can't find anywhere else; a unique place that gives dog-lovers a place to come together and let man's best friend roam around, leash-free. Dog Mountain is a 150 acre land that started as a mere a dream while under a coma.

Stephen Huneck, artist and creator of the mountain, had an accident where he developed Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome and was induced into a coma. During his recovery, he found himself constantly revisiting the dream and knew it had to become reality.

"He wanted to build a place that was free for people to come, free for dogs to run around and just be dogs" said Jill Brown, general manager of Dog Mountain. "He wanted to create a place where people can create and share a spiritual bond that we have with our pets." 

So, after a lot of time, effort, and money, on Memorial Day weekend 2000 his dreams became a reality and Dog Mountain had its grand opening.

Then, the opening meant so much to Gwen and Stephen, and it only meant more as business continued. The Huneck's dream went viral and everyone wanted to see Stephen's beautiful craftsmanship. In the gallery right on sight, it was common to see visitors leaving with some kind of major art work; whether it be an actual wooden carving or a framed frame from one of the many sally books Stephen later began writing.

As word travels at the speed of light, Dog lovers all around heard of his precious artwork, and began begging for a way to see his art near them. Huneck had signed a deal making his art seen in galleries all over the country he also began a book tour.

While Stephen was at his ultimate high, things started to take a turn for the worst. After the recession hit, Dog Mountain started a chain of unfortunate events. With money being tight, visitors weren't able to contribute the way they once could. It became more common for folks to buy the more "gift shop" oriented art works (coffee mugs, floor mats, etc.) rather than the high end pieces.

Stephen started to feel that his art wasn't good enough and wound up in a slum, leading him to commit suicide in 2010.

After the death, Gwen was determined to keep Dog Mountain up and running. After a few years running things herself, she realized she couldn't continue on without Stephen, her too committing suicide.

Over the last 13 years of operation, the mountain has seen many things. Business has boomed, fallen and had the unfortunately loss of Stephen and Gwen Huneck. With business on the decline, many mountain visitors fear their dogs playground could soon come to an end.

Laurel Holland, author of Wigglebus.com and long time dog mountain admirer, shared some ideas she thinks will save the poochie playground. First, to build some kind of pavilion to hold events rain or shine year round.

Second, to partner up with dog rescues all over the country, whit the idea that they can host dog parties. These rescue groups could make a donation to use the grounds.

The third idea was to make a dog cemetery on the mountain itself. With a small annual fee, visitors would be able to bring the ashes of their dogs and have a peaceful resting place. Families would be able to visit at anytime.

Holland's fourth idea is to build an engraved brick walkway where families can pay to have their dogs name on a brick or maybe a sentimental message. "Places like Disney have this, and people come from all over to find 'their brick," said Holland.

Her last idea was for improvements to be made to their online gift shop. Not everyone can come and visit, but Holland thinks people may still want to give there support by flaunting their Dog Mountain gear.

Currently the only source of income the mountain receives is the profit they make from selling Stephen's artwork as well as donations and dog parties they host. Holland says, "I love Dog Mountain so much, I would swap out my life in Massachusetts just to go help it succeed... Stephen's vision was precious, but to make it accessible to everyone, it will definitely take the village."

When speaking with Brown, she assured the safety of the mountains exsistance and made it clear that it was going nowhere.

For more information, you can go to their website Dogmt.com

photo credit: Laurel Holland