Pro Plan® trainer Melissa Heeter began her career at the early age of seven by helping her father train horses on the family farm. It was only natural that she also worked with some of the other animals on the farm, especially the dogs.

Heeter's love of training and working with animals quickly became her lifestyle. She combined her passion for animals and talent for teaching dogs to become amazing flying disc competitors into a career spanning more than 18 years. Her training ability ranges from different animals to specific dog breeds, dog obedience to musical canine freestyle dancing and canine fitness training.

As an avid dog lover and advocate for training with patience, Heeter travels across the country inspiring, entertaining and sharing her dog training expertise as part of the Purina® Incredible Dog Team. Her traveling entourage includes seven incredible dogs that perform amazing acrobatic feats and "super-secret" flying disc tricks. She holds the honor of being the first woman to win the ALPO® Canine Frisbee disc World Championship title. She also has received several regional and state championship titles.

This summer, Heeter will be traveling across the country with the Purina® Pro Plan® Rally Across America tour. The tour is dedicated to educating pet lovers and raising awareness for pet rescue nationwide. Heeter and her rescue dog Viola will provide customized training techniques based on three distinct rescued pet personality profiles. Pet owners can use these techniques at home with their own pets or their newest four-legged friend.

Heeter has performed for the Prince and Princess of Japan, and has been featured on Animal Planet's "Amazing Tales," ESPN Great Outdoor Games and Summer Olympics, "The Today Show," numerous NFL half-time shows and the Major League Baseball's All-Star Fan-Fest. When not performing, Heeter enjoys serving as a guest speaker at schools, dog clubs and rescue groups around the world. She also acts as U.S. Disc Dogs Nationals (USDDN) judging director and donates her time and expertise to the promotion of the Frisbee Dog Sport worldwide.