Vermont dog artist Stephen Huneck passes away at 60: dog lovers mourn.

A great light was extinguished with the passing of dog folk artist Stephen Huneck of Saint Johnsbury, Vermont. After suffering losses from the downturn in the economy, Huneck was forced to lay off most of the employees of his Dog Mountain farm and chapel - a destination for dog lovers, built from the proceeds of his artwork.

Described as despondent, Huneck felt responsible for the welfare of his employees and was fearful about losing the property his artwork had paid for. He died in his car of a self-inflicted gunshot wound while parked outside the office of his psychiatrist on Thursday. Huneck's artwork is featured in New York's Museum of American Folk Art and the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C.

Find his work if you are not familiar with it. It's whimsical and will put a smile on your face. Stephen was kind enough to autograph a copy of his book for us when our Dalmatian passed away many years ago, and we treasure it. We have been big fans for over a decade, and the love this man had for dogs pours out of his pieces. He will be sorely missed by many.

Mixed Emotions

Nigel is blushing today. OK, that's pushing it. I don't think he is capable. But if I could make him understand this he would be flattered. Kathleen Coy from Earth and Sky contacted me in October with what sounded like a great idea. She wanted to paint Nigel, and auction the painting to raise funds for A Place to Bark. I thought it would be weeks before I would hear from her again, but Kathleen really knocked herself out, and I am absolutely thrilled with her work.

Check out the end result!

Please share if you feel inclined - this is for a great cause. Kathleen, my deepest thanks - this was a wonderful gesture on your part, and I'm hoping it brings a few extra dollars to APTB. You made my week.

Of course, I would be remiss if I did not mention the tragedy that has occurred in Texas. Those brave souls who found themselves in the line of fire today must be remembered. They signed up for the ultimate duty, and in doing so accepted the possibility that they would be asked to lay down their lives. The fact that they fell at the hands of a deranged fellow soldier is irrelevant. They deserve our utmost respect for serving our country, and today we set aside our usual antics to remember those who will not be here tomorrow to see another sunrise, hug a family member, love a dog, or go about the business of protecting our great nation.