Angelyne "the Amazing" DEAF Cattle Dog

Eric Melvin is a passionate and engaging inspirational speaker and was the innovative trainer of the legendary “Angelyne the Amazing DEAF Cattle Dog.”   Aligned with his canine companions and for decades prior,  Eric is an enthusiastic advocate for people and animals with disabilities.   Overcoming adversity with resilience and compassion is in Eric’s DNA. When he was 14 he was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. The lifelong illness became the catalyst for the success and influence he and Angelyne were famous for.

Eric and Angelyne were a unique example of love, dedication, 

calling and commitment.  

 From June 2007 to February 2020,  Eric & Angelyne gave 570 inspiring public presentations across the United States and traveled over 240,000 miles together on their mission.  In the peak of Angelyne’s performing years she responded to over 60 cues including hand signals, touch, scent, lights, body language, facial expressions and vibrations.   

Eric and Angelyne were revered for their work in character building and compassion development in schools and youth programs as well as motivational presentations for corporations and non-profit organizations.  Eric  and Angelyne invented their one of a kind training program and diverse messaging and presentations. Eric and Angelyne career highlights included 11 dog talent show victories (12 entered), features in 6 books, TV appearances, an audition for “America’s Got Talent” and speaking engagements nationwide, private and public training clinics and much more!  

Eric & Angelyne shared the stage with celebrities and other influential and inspirational people such as Erik Weihenmayer (No Barriers USA), Kyle Maynard, Amy Purdy as well as animal advocates Joel Silverman, Shorty Rossi, Guy Gilchrist, Wendy Francisco and more.  In 2015 Eric & Angelyne were finalists in the Subaru Pet Hall of Fame contest.  Angelyne was also a featured model for Sierra Trading Post pet products.  Eric and Angelyne have presented in numerous places including at Barnes & Noble, national pet expos and more. 

Angelyne was also born with the gene for Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA).  She began showing the signs around 2014 and went completely blind in 2019.   Angelyne and Eric made their final public appearance on February 24, 2020.

Angelyne leaped over the rainbow bridge on July 7, 2020.

Eric lives life to the fullest despite his challenges with type 1 diabetes and he strives to inspire others to overcome and succeed!  Eric and Angelyne’s bond, story and presentation was unique and unforgettable. 

Eric is excited to carry on Angelyne's work and legacy with his new deaf girl, Maddie "the Marvelous" DEAF Cattle Dog!