Vermont Dog Names

Two dogs well known in Vermont are Sampson and Baylor, Golden Retrievers, who spend their time hiking up and down the Stowe Pinnacle trail on their own. The pair do have an owner, named Perry Schafer, however they have a tendency to run off and go for hikes without Schafer present. Baylor first ran off as a puppy during a snowstorm; thinking he was gone for good, Schafer brought home Sampson. Baylor did return and fortunately he and Sampson became close buddies. Baylor has mentored the more-timid Sampson,  and the two are able to open doors in their house and leave, even when supervised. When they get out, they head for the Pinnacle, something they have been doing for nearly seven years. Fortunately, they are well-trained. When with their owners, they follow commands and only bark when asked. Once, they helped guide a lost hiker back onto the trail and to her car.

While some hikers love encountering the dogs on the trail, others have concerns and the Stowe Police Department has received complaints about the dogs, who have been taken to the pound multiple times after being found on the trail without their owners. This has not stopped the dogs, who keep going back, even when the trail is covered in snow and ice. Stowe ordinances state that dogs must be under control at all times but only need to be leashed in certain areas. On hiking trails, leashes are not mandated, though it is expected that dogs not on leashes are supervised and their owners nearby. Schafer noted that her phone number is on the dogs’ collars and while she has received hundreds of calls over the years, only one was angry.

Internationally known artist Stephen Huneck, who was a woodcarver and furniture maker, created the Dog Chapel. This is a hand-built church in Vermont for dogs and their owners to go for reflection and renewal and is located on Dog Mountain, a space owned by him and his wife. After opening in 2000, the Dog Chapel has been a popular tourist attraction. Much of the work of Huneck, from St. Johnsbury, Vermont, focused on dogs, to include life size sculptures and woodcut prints, along with clothing and mouse pads. He has also written and illustrated a series of books for children featuring Sally, a Labrador Retriever.

Dog Mountain is open to the public for no charge and includes a gallery, hiking trails and a canine agility course. The inside of the chapel includes four pews supported by carved wooden dogs and stained-glass windows including dogs. The walls are nearly all covered with handwritten notes to pets that have passed away.