Johnjay Van Es may spend his mornings behind a mic, but his greatest passion begins when the show ends. Together with his wife, Blake, they're raising three boys, loving five dogs, and helping more than 1,500 rescue dogs find loving homes through their #LovePup Foundation.
For our Kids & Pets Issue, we passed the mic to Blake for 10 things you might not know about #LovePup.
1. LovePup wasn't part of the plan.
It all started when a listener called Johnjay's radio show asking for help with a teacup Chihuahua that wandered into her yard while she was loading a moving truck. Johnjay's response? "Sure, my wife will be right over." Then people just kept asking us to take their dogs.
2. One of our first rescues changed everything.
Gabby, a pittie puppy, was found by construction workers after being injured and covered in ticks. We had to make the difficult decision to amputate her leg. She now lives with an amazing family in Flagstaff, and we still keep in touch.
3. Rescue isn't just about saving dogs.
You must have compassion. Every dog is different and has different needs. It takes patience for those with behavior problems, faith for those with major medical issues, and love for those who are scared and wondering what is happening.
4. Some rescues stay with you forever.
One case involved five mastiffs rescued from an older man living near a canal. It eventually led to nearly 40 mastiffs living in a fifth wheel in Yavapai County. We cared for the dogs, got them vetted, and eventually found homes for all but one after earning the owner's trust.
5. Our biggest challenge isn't rescuing dogs...
…it’s maintaining volunteers and raising money.
6. Our boys grew up in the middle of it all.
They've always had dogs sleeping in their beds and running through the house. They also helped care for them, which taught them compassion for those in need, including the four-legged ones.
7. People probably think our house is chaotic.
Bingo. But we're also very protective of our family time. We sit down for meals together, take real vacations, and make sure we're fully present with our kids.
8. Our volunteers are the heartbeat of LovePup.
Supporters see the happy adoption photos. What they don't always see are the volunteers who spend countless hours walking dogs, cleaning kennels, comforting nervous pups, and making the shelter feel like home.
9. Every adoption makes the hard days worth it.
Seeing a family fall in love with their new #LovePup makes all the yucky stuff, mainly humans, not so bad.
10. We're just getting started.
Since launching LovePup, we've helped rescue and place more than 1,500 dogs, average about 125 adoptions each year, are supported by more than 350 volunteers, and host four signature community events annually. But what we're proudest of isn't a number. We have a shelter that feels good to the humans, which in turn makes the dogs feel good.
Cars & Canines returns Saturday, October 17th at D Pet Hotels Scottsdale. Hosted by the #LovePup Foundation, the free, family-friendly event features adoptable dogs, luxury cars, local vendors, and opportunities to support Arizona rescue pups. Please bring donations of pet food, toys, collars, leashes, puppy pads, and other supplies to benefit dogs in the foundation's care. lovepupfoundation.org/events/cars-canines-2026