Full-time Woof Pack
Melissa Helms – ABCDT Dog Trainer – owner of Woof Pack Pet Services
My name is Melissa Helms (formerly MacKinnon) and I am the owner and ABCDT trainer for Woof Pack. I am originally from Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and I moved to the High Country several years ago. I graduated from Appalachian State University and loved Boone and the High Country so much I never left! I really love being around all types of animals and I currently have 16 dogs a cat, each with a very unique personality. We have 8 double merle puppers who are either blind/ deaf or both and they all live very wonderful and happy lives here!
Leo
Navi
Loki aka Hell on Wheels
Loki is an 8 year old Lab mix She showed up at Woof Pack around 8 weeks old when someone threw her out of a car. We took her in and she is one lively pupper!
Ajax
Ajax is a 10 year old rough collie from Collie Rescue of the Carolinas. He is mostly blind, but figures out how to get around very well. He is a therapy dog and loves everyone he meets.
TPU Therapy Dog
PTSD Service Dog
Piper
Piper is an 8 year old Blue Merle Rough Collie. She is a precious old soul and came to us from Collie Rescue of the Carolinas as a companion for Ajax when Lilybelle passed away.
Rogue
Rogue is a 5 year old Golden Retriever. We can always count on Rogue to be happy and full of energy.Rogue is a service dog in training working on mobiilty and retrieval tasks. Rogue is also a Trick champion!
Mystic
I am Mystic. I am an 8 year old Double Merle Pomeranian who came from Heart rescue in Raleigh. I am vision impaired, but that didn’t stop me from getting my therapy dog certification. I get to go to work with Mom often!
Viggo
Viggo is my name and being handsome is my game. I am a 3 year old husky mix that was found in a ditch after being almost hit by a car. I am living the good life now though!
Merlin
My name is Merlin and I am a 4 year old Aussie. I am blind and deaf, but that doesn’t stop me. I love my pack and all my siblings. Merlin came to us from Australian Shepards Furever Rescue.
Paisley
Paisley is a 3 year old ray of sunshine. She is a border collie mix who is FULL of energy. This girl came to us from Partners Canines Rescue.
Astrid
Astrid was flown to Hickory on a Pilots and Paws transport after ASF rescued her from a a bad sitiation in Alabama. Astrid is deaf and vision impaired and was a very young mother. She has some trauma issues, but has thrived in our pack!
Archer
Archer is our baby boy! He is a 2 year old double merle aussie who is deaf and blind. Archer LOVES to play and has never met a stranger. His favorite friends are Astrid and Merlin.
THE Wicket
The Wicket is a Siberian Husky mix who came to us also from ASF. Wicket almost did not survive due to puppy strangles and mange. We missed key socialization periods due to her health, but we work towards goals everyday. This girl is a swimming and dock diving star!
Drama
Drama is a 2 year old blue merle mini Aussie. Drama is the life of the party in our pack and in daycare groups. Her fast and playful personality makes her fit her with all sizes of puppers!
Fleur
Lupin and Fleur are litter mates who came to us from ASF. Their previous owner had been a foster dad to Archer and Merlin and sadly when he passed from cancer these two needed a home that would take them both. So here they are! Fleur is very reserved and prefers her human dad to all people!
Lupin
Lupin and Fleur are litter mates who came to us from ASF. Their previous owner had been a foster dad to Archer and Merlin and sadly when he passed from cancer these two needed a home that would take them both. So here they are! Lupin is the outgoing one of the two – passing his therapy dog test with ease.
Queen Willie
I am Queen Willie of Willhaven. I am famous in these parts for stalking my siblings and peering over my parents food.In Loving Memory
Kaya
Samson – The Love of My Life
Samson lived until 15.5. He was my heart dog and a gentle giant of a a Great Pyrenees. He was a Certified Therapy Dog, PTSD Service Dog, and the love of my life!
Lilybelle – Rough Collie
December 2004 – April 2017
Lucybelle
Redbone Coonhound
Co Founder of the Woof Pack and Lucybelle’s Lodge
June 2003 – September 2014
Balto – Siberian Husky
May 2004 – June 2015
Patriarch of our Pack
Angus – Rough Collie
May 1999 – May 2012
Katie – Shetland Sheepdog
August 1995 – July 2009
Raven – Shetland Sheepdog
April 1997- February 2007
As you can see many of my dogs are rescues. I have a special place in my heart for shelter dogs and rescue organizations and I feel that the work these folks do in their community is an invaluable resource and they deserve all the help they can get! I am a dog lover first, and a dog trainer second.
I know from first-hand experience the difference dog training makes in the relationship between dog and owner. Without professional training, it can sometimes be a frustrating relationship, but with an investment in good training a wonderful transformation will occur.
My mission is to help you and your dog enjoy many happy years together.