The world's first chapel for dogs has opened in the American state of Vermont, with pews and stained-glass windows depicting black labradors with halos.

Up to 15 dogs at a time have been attending chapel in a forest near the small town of St Johnsbury, in accordance with the doctrine on the noticeboard outside: "All creeds, all breeds, no dogma."

The chapel is a gesture of thanks from Stephen Huneck, a folk artist, to his five dogs who, he says, helped him to recuperate from a serious illness three years ago. He said: "They played a really important part in my recovery. They understood that I needed to become well and would surround me whenever I went out."

After recovering from a virus that left him in a coma for two months, Mr Huneck, 51, went to work on the chapel, which is modelled on a traditional early-19th-century design and made out of white clapboard.

His devotion to dogs is in the details. The weathervane is a running dog while carved dogs hold up the pews. Light plays through stained-glass windows that show dogs and the legends: "Peace", "Play" and "Love".

Mr Huneck, who spent £140,000 on the chapel, is an artist with a growing reputation, with works in the Smithsonian in Washington, the Museum of American Folk Art and the American Kennel Club in New York.

After opening this summer, the chapel has become a haven for man and dog, particularly owners who have lost pets. "I was up there today," he said, "and there were 15 dogs. They seemed really happy to be there." The entrance to the building is already covered with photographs and messages from bereaved owners. "I want dogs and people to feel as if they are in a cathedral," he said.

Later this year, he hopes to hold "blessing of the animals" services. Local clergy, he said, had raised no objections either to the idea or the canine theme. "In fact, quite a few of them have been to see if there is anything they can do."

By James Langton in New York
The Telegraph - London

Courtesy rense.com