I didn’t plan on starting a dog services business. It just kind of happened.

In April 2025, I was talking with Dad about getting our dogs, Phil (corgi) and Buzz (border collie mix), more social time. My wife, Chrissty, and I looked at a few daycare and boarding facilities, but something didn’t sit right. Too many dogs. Too much controlled chaos. And the thought of them being separated, stuck inside, and penned up for parts of the day when they’re used to being together and free to hang inside or play outside anytime just didn’t feel like the right fit.

Dad said, “You’re crazy about dogs. And you work from home and you’ve got the space inside and the big backyard. Why not try hosting a few dogs yourself and see how it goes?”

So we did.

What started as a handful of stays here and there quickly grew thanks to incredible clients who were looking for something calmer, more personal, and with more freedom than the typical facility experience.

Today, Barking Mad is still intentionally small by design, serving Decatur and the surrounding area.

Our goal is simple: care for every dog the way we’d want someone caring for Phil and Buzz with plenty of attention in a safe, fun, and relaxed home environment.

I can’t end this without tipping my cap to our Dog Moms and Dads. Thank you for giving us a chance, trusting us with your wonderful dogs, spreading the word, and letting me spend more of my time in my happy place, hanging with dogs.

This wouldn’t be possible without you.

Sincerely,

Your Faithful Pup Pal

Josh Stone