When Chuck Billy crossed Rainbow Bridge in December, I promised I would add his name to the sacred walls of Dog Chapel at Dog Mountain in St. Johnsbury, Vermont. On a cold and rainy June day my family began our long car ride there. While we drove we shared memories of Chuck Billy’s time enjoying the New England Golden Jubilee there. How he convinced himself the pond was magical because it was the only place he could retrieve multiple tennis balls at once. His record being three.

To how he enjoyed playing fetch in the rolling fields on the mountainside. “Fetch Is Life” was his favorite motto.

To how muddy we got one year playing along the banks of the pond in the rain.

That was the year the well went dry at the Jubilee, which meant the hose to clean us off also wasn’t working. Mr. Follow the Rules was more than happy to break them that day as we snuck back into the hotel to clean off in our room’s bathtub.

So many precious memories connected to Dog Mountain. Including when Chuck Billy and I paid tribute to Angel Lemmy at Dog Chapel.

Now it was my turn to honor Angel Chuck Billy by fulfilling that promise, on that dreary, rainy day. But as we neared St. Johnsbury, the rain stopped! The clouds continued to reflect our somber mood as we turned onto the road leading to Dog Chapel. Then it happened, our first sign from Chuck Billy. Just as we pulled onto the property, on Road Trip Nation, the Sirius radio station, came the song “Jump Around,” by House of Pain. Alright, I never pictured Chuck Billy as the hip hop type, and the majority of the lyrics don’t apply. However, the chorus of “Jump! Jump! Jump! Jump! Everybody Jump!” was exactly what Chuck Billy did all the times we visited Dog Mountain in the past. No four paws on the floor rule today! This was a celebration of life! This song was also a much needed laugh that we all appreciated.

There was no one inside Dog Chapel when we arrived. We sat in silence for what seemed like forever, but was probably only for a few minutes. I looked at the many tributes covering the walls, thankful that Chuck Billy would be in good company. Dad quietly reflected on the memories of his best friend, while Mom said silent prayers for Chuck Billy, Lemmy, and for the families of our many dear friends who have crossed Rainbow Bridge.

Then it was time to add Chuck Billy’s picture, with our special message written on the back. We didn’t want to cover another angel’s name, but the layers of tributes made that difficult. Then Dad spotted the perfect place. Well sort of perfect, there’s a no tacks rule, and someone had used a tack nearby. This made us laugh, because we could just imagine our stickler for the rules rolling his eyes at this act of defiance. We needed that laugh, as Dad carefully taped his name to the wall.

Not knowing what to do next, I laid down in silent contemplation, while Mom and Dad added Chuck Billy’s photo to the scrapbook that will become part of the Dog Chapel archives. Angel Chuck Billy’s tribute is between the “Joy” and “Play” stained glass windows.

By then others had entered the Chapel, and we knew it was time to let them have their moment of reflection. We continued our tribute by headeding out to the hills to reminisce. So many happy memories at this sacred place of hope, healing, love and laughter.

After strolling the grounds, I waited outside of the Stephen Huneck gallery with Dad, while Mom went in to shop. She wanted the Golden Retriever angel pin to put on our adventure bag. There she chatted with a very kind woman who works there, about the recent New England Golden Jubilee, and our silly memories from years past. Mom also shared with the woman about Angel Chuck Billy. I’m sorry Mom didn’t get your name, but thank you for your kindness of listening to Mom’s stories.

Then it was one more trip to see Chuck Billy’s tribute on the wall of Dog Chapel, before heading off on the grand adventure he had planned for us in New York. It was hard for Mom and Dad to leave. Although just a photo, it felt like they were leaving a piece of themselves there. That’s when Chuck Billy took control of the radio again. As we drove down the hill, Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Free Bird” began to play on the radio. Alright, again Chuck Billy was never one for music, so not the song I would have picked, but the message sure did resonate.

Angel Chuck Billy, you are as free as a bird now, to soar wherever your heart leads. May your adventurous spirit find joy in the fields, the waters, the mountains and the wind. Please keep guiding us onward! Love you my brother! See you at the end of the trail…