FROM AN early age, Seth Campbell has had a natural gift for caring for animals. As a child, he would craft toys and bake small treats to deliver to his local animal shelter, eager to bring comfort to the pets waiting for a home. His empathy for animals has been a true guide throughout his life — one that continues to inspire others.
Originally from Columbia, Tennessee, Campbell first became involved at the Maury County Animal Shelter, where he frequently volunteered.
“Caring for animals has always been something close to my heart,” Campbell reflected.
His love for volunteering and serving the animals around him only grew. Rather than letting his concern for animals end with simple acts of kindness, Campbell began searching for ways to expand his impact.
“When I moved to Petersburg years ago, I knew I wanted to continue helping animals. I started by rescuing just a few dogs and quickly realized how beautiful and rewarding the process was. From there, I went on to establish a 501(c)(3) rescue organization,” Campbell said. “Over the years, I’ve had countless animals come through my care, and every experience has been just as rewarding as the first.”
Campbell is continually motivated to keep rescuing animals, though he admitted, “There are undoubtedly difficult days.” Many of the dogs he brings in are in the final chapter of their lives, often having endured years of neglect or hardship.
“Each time a new dog comes to the farm, it’s a jolt of inspiration to watch them enjoy whatever time they may have left,” Campbell shared. “Sometimes it’s only a few months, sometimes it’s a few years. Either way, every dog that arrives at the farm brings its own inspiration.”
With a farm full of furry companions needing daily care, the animals have become an integral part of Campbell’s life. Looking after them requires compassion, dedication, and a love for service, qualities that Campbell embodies. He laughed as he reflected, “I love the daily work of caring for them and the farm in general. I jokingly say they’re the reason I wake up early — very early — every single day.”
Campbell finds the greatest reward when a dog arrives at the farm from a difficult situation. For many, the farm becomes a safe haven — a second chance at peace they may have never known before. Watching them gradually grow comfortable and settle into their new surroundings is a gift in itself. Campbell explained that even when the animals eventually “cross the Rainbow Bridge,” there is a bittersweet sense of fulfillment in knowing they were safe, loved, and well cared for in their final days. Many of the dogs he rescues are elderly or face significant medical challenges. While he knows their time is limited, sometimes just a few months, other times a few years, his goal is always the same: to give each one the highest quality of life possible before they leave this Earth.
Campbell’s dedication to creating a safe space for dogs to rest and thrive is nothing short of remarkable. Each time a new animal arrives at the farm, he follows a careful process to help them adjust. Every dog is evaluated thoroughly, and their unique needs are addressed with patience and care. The work is not for the faint of heart. Countless challenges arise along the way, but Campbell believes the reward always outweighs the struggle. Seeing a once-neglected dog grow healthy, happy, and at peace makes every effort worthwhile.
One of Campbell’s most memorable rescues was a senior Bluetick Coonhound named Sam. He had belonged to a 90-year-old man who loved him but hadn’t realized how much Sam himself was aging. On the farm, Sam spent his final year with a pasture to roam, a barn for long naps, plenty of food and treats, and the companionship of other dogs. He eventually passed away from cancer, and Campbell admitted he shed many tears over the loss. While not a “success story” in the usual sense, Campbell sees Sam’s story as a true victory — because Sam was able to live out his last days safe, loved, and at peace.
The local community has played a vital role in supporting Campbell’s vision and mission. He reflected with gratitude, “They have constantly shown me support by always asking what they can do to help. I have truly been blessed beyond measure to have this support system.”
When asked how the people of Lincoln County can contribute to his work — even if they are unable to rescue dogs themselves — Campbell emphasized the importance of advocacy. “Above all, be an advocate for animals. Their quality of life is dependent on us, and I believe that no dog should have to live in filth and neglect. While I do everything I can at my rescue, the overarching journey is much larger. As a society, we should continue pushing for spay and neuter programs to control the pet population, and we should keep pushing to ensure that animals are being well cared for.”
Through Campbell’s devotion to meeting the needs of animals, he has built a refuge where forgotten dogs are seen, valued, and cared for. His service is both a call to action and a reminder that animal advocacy can bridge the gap for the voiceless. GN
Daily care and compassion provide forgotten and aging dogs a second chance at Hound Dog Holler Animal Rescue.
