Name: Michael Blasko
Age: 46
Position: Founder, K-9 Animal Rescue League
Education: University of Hawaii
Pastimes: music, reading, movies

"What's so difficult about being human all year?" said Blasko, founder of K-9 Animal Rescue League. The Waianae facility - the state's only shelter that does not kill animals - tries to find homes for abused and abandoned animals.

"People shouldn't have to be motivated," he said. "It should be instinctive."

After returning from his tour as a medic in Vietnam, Blasko's experience opened his eyes to life, something he says we take for granted.

"I was lucky. I am in one piece. I came back." Many of his friends did not.

Blasko has always loved animals. But he developed a greater respect for all living creatures after his tour of duty.

"I can't stand by, able to help and turn the other cheek."

Blasko couldn't decide between becoming a doctor or veterinarian in high school.

Fate decided the question came about seven years ago when he saw a dog being flung out of a pick-up truck by his owner and left for dead near Ewa Beach. Blasko could not drive by knowing the dog was going to die.

He used his medical knowledge nurse the dehydrated and starved dog back to health.

Two days later, the dog was able to stand.

"It was the happiest day of my life."

Today, "JC" roams free in Blasko's shelter among other abandoned animals.

"There's no money in this. I just do this for the pure love of life," Blasko says.

He credits the shelter's existence to his wife Patti, who has been supportive through it all.

"In her own right, she's an animal lover like me and more."

Blasko, a native of New York, arrived in Hawaii 26 years ago during his military tour.

"This is the closest thing to heaven on Earth. I will always live here. I love it."