Meet Our Team ~THE HUMANS~
Michelle Wilson, Founder & K-9 Partner
As the Founder of EPIC Animal Recovery & K-9 Partner,
Michelle often gets asked, “How did you get into finding lost pets?” The answer for Michelle, is always the same. “EPIC is the reason. EPIC has been my mentor, teacher and best friend on this journey.” After 13 years in the industry, this team has helped thousands of lost and stray animals find their way home and to safety. Michelle specializes in lost pet behavior, trapping and tracking, using “sign” created by the missing animal. She also uses behavior based trapping techniques by using many different styles of traps based on the specific needs of the situation. And don’t forget EPIC, Joker, Kojak (aka Poundcake) & Coyote!! These are her trailing search dogs that are hands-on trained by Michelle. EPIC search dogs are scent specific trained trailing and air scent dogs that will work in most environments and terrains. Michelle is Pet first aid/CPR certified along with multiple FEMA certifications.
Rhonda Morrison, EPIC Volunteer
Rhonda is one of those volunteers every team hopes to find— And then never let go. For several years, she has gone above and beyond, always ready to jump in when help is needed. From laying training trails for the dogs to supporting searches and team training, Rhonda is consistently dependable and always says YES when it counts. Her dedication, humor and willingness to step up make her an invaluable part of our team.
Chris Ware, WNC Trapper/Tracker
Chris has worked in animal welfare since 2000, beginning as a shelter volunteer in Massachusetts. She became involved in search and rescue in 2011 and later completed an apprenticeship in behavior modification and obedience training.
After moving to North Carolina in 2014, Chris continued working across the pet industry while supporting search and rescue efforts for shelters and pet owners. We also plan on training Chris as a K-9 Partner. SAR has been a “dream” of hers for many years. Adding another K-9 Partner will increase our Team’s versatility and allow for more efficient deployments.
Chris joined Labor of Love Transport Rescue in 2018, where she has fostered over 100 dogs and serves as Treasurer.
Outside of rescue work, Chris co-founded an electrical contracting business with her husband. Together, they are raising two sons and share their home with two rescue dogs, Willis and Loretta.
WELCOME TO THE TEAM!!!
***More to come……………
FOR VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES, PLEASE COMPLETE OUR VOLUNTEER APPLICATION.
CLICK HERE: VOLUNTEER APPLICATION
MEET OUR TEAM
~EPIC SEARCH K-9s~
K-9 EPIC
EPIC is currently on medical leave & semi-retired.
Don’t let her size fool you! She means business! Epic is the reason behind EPIC Animal Recovery. She is trained by Michelle and has assisted in the recovery of hundreds of pets over the past several years. EPIC was found as a stray and it was kismet that she crossed paths with Michelle. They have been working as a team from day 1. That is a gifted nose on this 28lb search K-9! Don’t get in her way….
K-9 Seeker
In Loving Memory 2018 - 2025
Thank you for being an amazing partner and for helping hundreds of animals.
I will never forget you. -Michelle
THE ROOKIES
K-9 Kojak (Aka Poundcake)
“WHO LOVES YA BABY!”
This rookie is going to be a superstar!! At 75lbs, this one year old Golden/Lab mix has already surpassed all expectations and continues to shine! He is an absolute sweetheart w/ a work ethic that rivals the best of the best. Keep an eye on our facebook page to watch his progress.
K-9 COYOTE
This handsome guy is a 1 year old Belgian Malinois w/ a splash of Dutch Shepherd. When I saw his picture, I knew he had the ZING.. We pulled him from CMACC. (Char-Meck Animal Care & Control). We are super excited to see what his future holds. He is a rookie on the rise!! Keep an eye on our FB page to see his progress!!
LOVE PLAYING HIDE-N-SEEK?? JOIN US FOR A DAY OF TRAINING! FILL OUT OUR VOLUNTEER APPLICATION TO PLAY THE ULTIMATE HIDE-N-SEEK W/ A SEARCH DOG!! WE CAN ALWAYS USE NEW TARGETS FOR THE K-9s TO LOOK FOR! PETS OR HUMAN!
K-9 Joker
Joker comes to us from the West Coast. (Los Angeles) This handsome boy is a solid 80lbs. DNA test has him at 52% Belgian Malinois and 48% Dutch Shepherd.
Michelle saw Joker on Facebook and she knew she had to have him. It was love at first sight. Joker was flown to D.C. where he was picked up and brought home to N.C. Joker excelled in his training, passing every test and challenge with flying colors. He has been promoted to lead search K-9 on TEAM EPIC.