The Dog Chapel: Welcome All Creeds, All Breeds, No Dogmas Allowed [ハードカバー]

While attending a conference in Vermont, I was fascinated by several woodcuts of dogs by folk artist Stephen Huneck which were displayed in a local craft store. The ones which particularly caught my interest involved labrador retrievers engaged in simple tasks which captured the essence of the breed, e.g. loyalty, friendliness, joyfulfulness, and perserverance. I then noticed that the artist also had published three children's books incorporating woodcuts of his black Labrador retriever Sally at the beach, in the mountains, and on the farm. However, the book to which I was drawn both by the storyline and the pictures supplementing and illustrating the text was THE DOG CHAPEL. I learned that the author and his wife in fact live in St. Johnsbury, VT with their four dogs and that he has constructed THE DOG CHAPEL on his farm as a place that welcomes visitors of "all creeds [and] all breeds, [but with] no dogmas allowed".

The preface briefly and movingly describes the near death experience which transformed the artist's (because that is the real occupation of this author) life and led to the construction of the chapel. The book is also movingly dedicated to Sally, the black Lab and his constant companion who helped nurse him back to health after he miraculously awoke from his coma but was unable to speak or move. During his recuperation, he was inspired (or as he puts it, he had the wild idea) to build the chapel to commemorate and share with others "the messages my dogs have taught me about the nature of love, joy, friendship, play, trust, faith, and peace". The next several pages of the book consist of gorgeous photographs of both the interior and exterior of the chapel. They succeed in capturing its simple beauty in the marvelous setting of the Vermont hills. There are simple stained glass windows and wonderful woodcarvings (the artist also is a sculptor and artisan who fashions hand carved furniture), as well as the accommodations being enjoyed by both human beings and their dogs. ( Of course, the chapel has its own dog door.) The remainder and overwhelming majority of the book is then devoted to woodcuts illustrating the various attributes and encapsulating the sort of experiences which lead to the deep bond which forms between people and their dogs.

This is a book to be savored and repeatedly enjoyed. It is the sort of book to be left on the table next to your favorite chair so you can open it up and smile at the pictures which capture the essence of some of your favorite moments with your dog. It can also serve to ease the deep pain from the loss of a canine companion. Finally, it will then be conveniently at hand for the enjoyment of any guests who also happen to be doglovers. (Of course, given the prominence of retrievers in Huneck's artwork the book probably had some extra added attraction for me since we currently own a black Lab mix and a Golden Retriever and still mourn the death several years ago of our yellow Lab - Great Dane mix.) Although the price might seem a little expensive for such a slim volume, the cover and the binding are of high quality and the pages display the artwork to great advantage. I highly recommend this book, and as the commentary accompanying one of the illustrations suggests, after buying the book "if you feel that you are too old to play, [perhaps your next task should be to] buy a ball and a dog to go with it".

Tucker Andersen

Mr. Hunek conveys the power of the animal/human bond through beautiful photos of the chapel and whimsical woodcuts that describe the characteristics of our canine companions. The book tells how this unique chapel came to be built following the authors critical illness. As the sign outside the chapel says, "All breeds and all creeds welcome. No dogma allowed". This book would make a cherished gift for all dog lovers regardless of their religious or spiritual beliefs.

This book is amazing. I recently lost my beloved companion of 9 years, and when I saw this book I had to buy it. I am proud to say I'm originally from Vermont and have been a fan of Steven Huneck for years. He has outdone himself with "The Dog Chapel." The illustrations and simple phrases reflect the love between a dog and his person. I miss my friend, but Huneck's book has helped me to grieve and heal.