It all started with a dog named Gunner, a high energy puppy who needed an outlet. Eric Simpson adopted Gunner when one of his friends could not take care of him. Gunner would occasionally be enrolled in pet daycare to help with his socialization skills. The improved results were almost instantaneous, and Eric's idea of starting a boarding daycare for dog lovers who wanted the best for their pets became a passion. With tremendous support from his parents, this dream became a reality in August 2003 with the opening of the BarkZone.