Serving the needs of Midtown Atlanta’s dog owners is more than a business for Piedmont Bark owner William Campbell—it’s his life’s calling.

Campbell, who turns 50 this year, used to work in corporate banking, but that all changed 10 years ago when he brought the doggy day care concept to Midtown. This year, Piedmont Bark celebrates its 10th anniversary.

“At the time, the concept of doggy daycare wasn’t the norm,” Campbell says. “We set the pace and the expectations.”

Between 80 to 90 dogs of all shapes, breeds and sizes call Piedmont Park home during any given day. On especially busy days, Campbell says that he’s in charge of 100 or more furry friends.

To house that many pets, Piedmont Bark has outdoor play areas and more than 6000 sq. ft. of climate controlled interior space where dogs can run and play to their hearts’ content.

Larger breeds are separated from smaller ones, and every dog has to undergo a temperament test to be accepted into the Piedmont Bark family.

Piedmont Bark employs some 15 staffers and offers boarding and grooming services in addition to doggy day care.

Campbell met his partner, Jason Girod, around the same time he was putting together Piedmont Bark’s initial business plan. Girod has been nothing but supportive, says Campbell, who has called Atlanta home since 1998.

“I’m a gay business owner,” Campbell says. “I’m one of those rare people that’s actually doing something I love. It’s a great feeling.”

In its 10-year history, Piedmont Bark has given away more than a $100,000 to local charities and non-profits like PALS, he says.

“Every time I give back to the community, it comes to me ten-fold,” Campbell says. “They’ve supported me since day one. I knew that would be crucial to our success.”

Piedmont Bark plans to celebrate its 10th anniversary with a bash sometime this fall, but Campbell says the business has been celebrating all year. New renovations, including a 100-foot mural and new fencing inside, are just the beginning.

Campbell added that he’s signed a new 10-year lease on the building space, meaning that Piedmont Bark will be a Midtown staple for many years to come.

Top photo: Piedmont Bark, owned by William Campbell, celebrates 10 years in 2012. (by Ryan Watkins)