She started out at a large working farm in Nebraska before moving to North Carolina.  Her family had the normal range of farm animals, from milk cows, sheep, and pigs to horses.  At an early age she trained and worked with quarter horses, competing in rodeo events, shows, and endurance rides.  She worked sheep with border collies and raised Dalmations.  After moving to the area, she attended college for Law Enforcement and became a military police officer in the Army Reserves.  She is a veteran of the Iraqi war.  When she isn't taking care of your pets she works for Harris Teeter, although you may not recognize her because many times she is in the HT mascot uniform having fun with the crowds at the RBC, Apex Peak fest, parades, most schools, and the Relay for Life.  As for her spare time she volunteers at her church, with the Apex Peak Festival, and with the Senior Olympics.  Annually she is team captain with the Relay for Life and the Diabetes Youth walk in RTP.  She is a member of the Jimmy V security team at Pinehurst.  She runs 5K races all over the triangle from the Monarchs In Motion in Apex to the Susan K Komen Race for the Cure to the Special Olympic Law Enforcement Run.

From a very early age Melanie's passion for animals was apparent when on one of her first Thanksgivings she screamed as her mother tried to put the turkey in the oven, "Don't put the baby in the oven!" From that very moment her love of animals was sealed. Melanie has worked with animals for more than 30 years from working as a horse trainer to hand-raising baby birds. In addition to taking care of pets for clients of Cary Pet Nannies she manages the Care and Wellness Programs for Petco and is a Certified Avian and Small Animal Specialist. Curently she lives with 3 hamsters, 3 African Dwarf Frogs, 2 Miniature Schnuazers, and 5 birds, from Peachy the parakeet to Simon the Cockatoo.