dog chapel | River's world…..

If you’ve ever loved a dog?

Hell, even if you haven’t… please watch this video all the way though before you read my post. It’s 7 minutes of your life well spent. I promise.

Grab the tissues.

I’ll wait.

The husband and I have been there, although it was winter and only a few four legged visitors were romping around.

The chapel is small…

But bursting at the seams with love.

And when they said every square inch is filled with layers of pictures, letters, notes and expressions of grief?

They meant it.

I wept the entire time I was inside.

Look around…

How could you not?

If you’ve ever loved and lost a dog, or any animal for that matter… this quiet, unassuming, solemn place will grab your heart and tug. The outpouring of love, loss and grief is positively palpable from the moment you cross the threshold.

I’m not a religious person… but there’s something otherworldly about this building on that little mountain in Vermont.

Something beautiful… and almost spiritual.

If you’re ever near St. Johnsbury, please go experience it for yourself. And don’t forget to bring a picture of that special someone who’s no longer walking by your side.

❤️

If you love animals, grab some Kleenex.

If you don’t… move along, you’re not my people.

The Dog Chapel, on Dog Mountain, built by dog artist Stephen Hunecker.

This is Stephen, and his dogs.

The following is the story of his near death experience…

And a few words about the special space he created.

I’d heard of this place, but wasn’t quite sure what to expect.

A chapel… for dogs. Okay, got it.

But I hadn’t.

The pews are hand carved and supported by dogs.

The stained glass is hand made…

And filled with dogs.

But what takes your breath away as you stand in this unassuming little building….

Is love.

And an outpouring of grief so heartfelt, I wept.

Non stop, for the entire time we were there.

The love surrounds you.

Engulfs you.

From floor to ceiling, every single inch.

People from all over the world come to this obscure little spot on the map to leave pictures and memorials to their beloved 4 footed friends.

If you’ve ever loved a dog, this place will move you.

If you’ve never loved a dog, this place will move you.

It was silent, and haunting….. and beautiful beyond words.

The loss is palpable, and deep.

But the love?

The love is overwhelming and chokes me up even now.

So I left a memorial of my own, for a very special beagle we had when I was growing up. Hiram… my father’s steadfast companion. Who happily romped the fields and gardens with him in the good times, and lay devotedly at his side through the bad. The dog that was inconsolable when my father was hospitalized with heart attack after heart attack… as if he knew.

Hiram.

His death was the only time I ever saw my father cry.