At Waypoint Bank, we love celebrating the stories of clients who not only chase their dreams but also make a meaningful impact in their community. One such client is Colton Johnson, a lifelong dog enthusiast, entrepreneur, and founder of both Under the Sun Dogs and Sunrise Service Dogs.

A Lifelong Love for Dogs

Colton’s journey with dogs began with his family. He is a second-generation handler, and today his two daughters and son continue the tradition. Their love of dogs goes beyond a hobby. It is a family passion.

Colton’s current show dog, Graham, is a confident and goofy third-generation Old English Sheepdog who reflects this legacy. Graham comes from a line of champions. His father, mother, and grandfather have all placed in competitions. Johnson’s family has been breeding dogs for more than 50 years.

Colton has competed at the Westminster Dog Show five times, earning wins in the herding group and making it into the final seven out of 2,500 dogs at the 2026 Westminster Dog Show. This is a testament to his dedication and the hard work he puts into training. Preparation for these shows is a year-round commitment that includes baths, blow-dries, treadmill workouts, daily play, and training that starts as early as eight weeks old.

“You never go into Westminster thinking you’re going to win. It’s so competitive,” Johnson says. “But when you make it to Best in Show, the excitement is indescribable.”

The 2026 Westminster Dog Show was especially memorable because it marked the 150th anniversary of the event. Madison Square Garden was packed with people and you could feel the energy. As the spotlight shined on Graham and Johnson, he said, “You can never replicate the environment at home. You just say a prayer that your dog can handle it.”

Graham handled it well. He won the Herding Group and earned a ribbon, a trophy, and valuable points. It was a well-deserved accomplishment for both Graham and Johnson.

Building a Community Through Dogs

In 2011, Johnson founded Under the Sun Dogs, a full-service dog daycare designed to provide pets with safety, socialization, and enrichment. The facility offers private play areas, pool time, training classes, and “tricks for treats.” His daycare is more than a business. It is a place where pets and their owners feel supported.

“The number one thing dog owners often don’t realize,” Johnson notes, “is the importance of making sure their dog gets proper attention. A dog isn’t just a pet. They are family.”

Johnson enjoys helping people get the most out of their relationship with their dogs.

“We’re a one-stop shop. We have a pool, a private dog park, and we provide walks, snuggle time, and tricks for treats,” he says.

Under the Sun Dogs is a place where dogs can learn rules, boundaries, and expectations. This helps build a strong foundation for both pets and their owners.

Giving Back with Sunrise Service Dogs

Johnson’s passion for dogs extends far beyond show rings and daycares. Inspired by his work training service dogs, he launched Sunrise Service Dogs, a nonprofit dedicated to matching service dogs with individuals who can truly benefit from them.

The organization currently has 20 working teams and offers programs that allow clients to raise and train their own dogs with guidance from Johnson and his team.

“We’re not a huge organization,” Johnson says. “I want to know the people and their dogs.”

Stories like Joy and Hope show the life-changing impact of these dogs. Joy survived human trafficking and severe abuse. She received her service dog, Hope, through Sunrise Service Dogs.

“These dogs give people hope and independence,” Johnson explains.

Joy believes nothing should be treated as trash and creates jewelry from discarded materials. Through her jewelry sales, she was able to save money for her service dog, Hope. Because Joy experiences significant physical pain, Hope helps by turning things on, picking items up, and assisting with everyday tasks.

Another client, Amylynn, who is a quadriplegic, has a service dog who assists her with nearly everything. Amylynn wears straps on her ankles and wrists, and her service dog moves her limbs using those straps so she does not develop bedsores. This daily assistance greatly improves her quality of life.

Banking That Supports Dreams

Johnson credits Waypoint Bank as an essential partner in his journey.

“Ken and Bob at Waypoint have been unbelievable. None of this would be possible without them,” he says. “They’re not just my bankers. They’re my friends and family. They help, advise, and give me a sense of trust you don’t get at other banks.”

From day-to-day operations to long-term growth and financial guidance, Waypoint has supported him every step of the way.

Johnson’s advice to fellow entrepreneurs is simple but powerful. Build a relationship with your bank. When your bank knows you and your business well, it creates a foundation of trust that can help you grow and navigate challenges.

Inspiring Others to Give Back

Through his work in business and nonprofit efforts, Colton exemplifies the power of passion combined with purpose. Whether he is training champion sheepdogs, providing a safe place for pets, or transforming lives with service dogs, his story shows how dedication and heart can create meaningful impact.

Sunrise Service Dogs will host its annual Raise the Woof Shindig on April 18, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at Phil Long Music Hall. The event brings the community together to support the organization’s mission of providing life-changing service dogs to those in need. Early supporters play an important role in making the event successful, inspiring others to give and helping expand the reach of the program. Those interested in sponsoring the event are encouraged to get involved and be a catalyst for change. Sunrise Service Dogs is an IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, EIN 85-3472528.