A boisterous enthusiasm for life is John Garcia’s trademark.

John, 24, is held in high regard by his coworkers at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary’s Dogtown because of his dedication to the dogs, his positive energy that welcomes every volunteer to Dogtown, and his dedication to teamwork.

John moved to this area as a little boy. His first home was in one of the original cottages on the sanctuary grounds before Best Friends even existed. Then the family moved to Fredonia, Arizona, which is about a 30-minute drive from the sanctuary. John lives there still, although in his own home now.

John came to work at Best Friends in 1999, when he was 18 years old. “I know this sounds cornball,” John said, “but when I was a kid, my dog was my only friend. So I’ve always wanted to work with dogs.”

In the communities of Kanab, Utah, and Fredonia, Arizona, which are near the sanctuary, John is the paintball wizard. He took his spare-time hobby and turned it into a rapidly growing community fun event. John’s paintball gatherings easily attract 60 people, whether the event is held in Kanab or Fredonia. The whole thing has grown through word-of-mouth.

“The kids are having a blast. They are learning teamwork and leadership, and paintball is expensive enough that it keeps them from spending their money on stupid stuff. And, it’s tons of fun!”

His community service is paintball for the kids but his lifetime avocation is working with animals. “I’ve dedicated my life to animals, and whatever else comes my way, that’s something I will always be doing,” John said.