About Us

Sometimes unexpected events and adversity offer us a compassionate new purpose.

At the age of 14 Eric Melvin was faced with the lifelong challenge of type 1 diabetes.  Two decades later he was faced with another unexpected event.   One month after bringing his puppy Angelyne home, she was diagnosed being completely deaf at birth.  Diabetes was a battle that Eric could not so easily walk away from.   With Angelyne, Eric could have responded as many others could by returning her to the breeder, surrender her to a shelter or have her euthanized.   With no promise of success Eric committed with compassion to keep Angelyne and give her the best life he could. 

Eric and Angelyne earned the “Most Improved Team” award in puppy obedience class.  During training, Eric discovered Angelyne had extraordinary talent, focus, intelligence and a unique connection with people.  In their first year they amassed 22 different hand signals and non-verbal commands including an array of tricks.  One day a neighbor noticed Eric and Angelyne training and suggested they enter an upcoming dog talent contest.  With no expectations Eric and Angelyne entered and won the contest.  Afterwards they were greeted by numerous people interested to know their story and if they would bring their message and presentation to the community.   From that day the life Eric and Angelyne had known was changing and taking on a new purpose.

Eric and Angelyne the Amazing DEAF Cattle Dog deliver their heart-warming story and trick demonstration to people of all ages, abilities and social situations.  Eric and Angelyne now have over 40 hand signals and non-verbal commands with many shown in their presentation.  Their presentations educate and inspire as well as touch hearts and minds.

Eric and Angelyne’s presentations are perfect for:

  • Schools and education
     
  • Youth programs
     
  • Churches
     
  • Senior care centers
     
  • Developmentally disabled
     
  • Chronic and terminal illness
     
  • Deaf / hard of hearing
     
  • Morale-raisers
     
  • Fund-raisers
     
  • Children’s parties
     
  • Fairs & Festivals
     
  • Seminars & training

    & MUCH MORE!  
     

About Eric Melvin

Eric was born and raised in Silverthorne, Colorado.  He has extensive experience working in the community with youth programs, arts and entertainment, schools,  non-profits as well as with business communications and public relations.  He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication from Regis University and an Associate Degree from Colorado Mountain College.  When not making appearances, speaking and performing with Angelyne Eric enjoys motorcycles, music, art and the outdoors.

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Angelyne at 5 weeks old
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Angelyne with biscuit on nose
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Angelyne jumping through hoop

About Angelyne the Amazing DEAF Cattle Dog

Angelyne is an Australian Cattle Dog (AKA heeler, Queensland Heeler).   She was born in Fort Collins, Colorado.  When Eric brought Angelyne home at 8 weeks old he had no idea she was deaf at birth. Angelyne was confirmed bi-laterally deaf at 13 weeks old.   Like most cattle dogs she is very intelligent, work-driven and loyal.  She has no idea that she is deaf.  She does bark and her sight, smell and sense of surroundings are amazing.  Angelyne knows and responds to over 40 different hand signals and non-verbal commands.  Angelyne knows when she is headed to a performance and gets excited to work and see everyone.  Angelyne’s talents and gifts have allowed her and Eric a new purpose in life.   
 
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Eric Melvin and
Angelyne the Amazing DEAF Cattle Dog

Angelyne the Amazing DEAF Cattle Dog © 2010 All rights reserved

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