Stephen Huneck, Artist of Dogs, Dies at 61

[Daniel Eagan]

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/01/arts/design/01huneck.html?ref=obituaries

A very sad story that's not really relevant to NH back country, except the obituary mentions hiking trails on Dog Mountain, site of the Dog Chapel.

I have to admit I was not familiar with Dog Mountain or Mr. Huneck's work.

 

[Waumbek]

Dog Mountain is wonderful and, as you might expect, it is totally dog-friendly. Its 400 acre mountain-top location has been a good place to take a puppy for some early training walks and socializing. I hope it survives.

From Huneck's comments on the website, http://www.dogmt.com/chapel.php:

"Everyone is welcome at Dog Mountain, but it is my hope that dog owners will bring their dogs with them. It is a wonderful experience to go on a walk with your dog through an old forest, you will see how the dog becomes fully alert, your guide and protector. There they have no doubt who is the leader."

 

[Snowflea]

I used to live within 5 miles of Dog Mountain. Along with the Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium, the Athenaeum, and Maple Grove Maple Museum, Dog Mountain became one of the mandatory destinations for visitors to St. Johnsbury over the past few years, especially after it was featured on Oprah a few years back.

For me, a visit to the Dog Chapel ["WELCOME! All creeds, all breeds, no dogmas allowed"] usually required copious amounts of tissues. If you've been there, you know what I'm talking about.

For dog lovers his artwork was the greatest. Perhaps my favorites were his "Sally" books, especially Sally Goes to the Mountains. He will be sorely missed.

 

[Bill and Sheep]

That is incredibly sad news. I just came upon the Dog Chapel last summer and Sheep and I now stop there on a regular basis when in the area. Mr. Huneck seemed to be a wonderful man. I remember clearly once when he was at a table working on a new drawing and Sheep spilled a liquid on the drawing. I felt terrible but it didn't faze him. He just smiled and moved right along. It's so sad to lose such a talented soul.

I hope that his wife can find a way to keep the Chapel and gallery alive and preserve the wonderful work he has given us.

 

[chipc]

I missed the story in the Times. Thanks for posting it it. Having Labs for many years, my wife and I were familiar with his work (gotta love the Sally books.) And then last Spring we stayed in Stowe to do some hiking. After two beautiful days (and my first trip up Mansfield and Camels Hump) it rained and rained. So we spent some time in the shops in Stowe including Huneck's gallery. Sad news - but his work will live on.