Eric Melvin is a passionate and engaging inspirational speaker and the innovative trainer of “Angelyne the Amazing DEAF Cattle Dog.” Aligned with his canine companion 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 chronic illness became the catalyst for the success and influence he and Angelyne are known for today. Eric and Angelyne were a unique and shining example of love, dedication, calling and commitment.
Eric and Angelyne (born completely deaf) created a unique and influential deaf dog inspirational and training program. From June 2007 to February 2020, Eric & Angelyne gave 570 inspiring public presentations and traveled over 240,000 miles together. In the peak of Angelyne’s performing years she responded to over 63 cues including hand signals, touch, scent, lights, body language, facial expressions and vibrations. 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 leaped over the rainbow bridge on July 7, 2020.
Eric and Angelyne were revered for their work in character building and compassion development in schools and youth programs as well as motivation for corporations and non-profit organizations. Eric and Angelyne career highlights included 11 dog talent show victories (12 entered), features in 5 books, TV appearances, an audition for “America’s Got Talent” and speaking engagements nationwide. Eric & Angelyne shared the stage with celebrities and other influential and inspirational people such as Erik Weihenmayer, 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 been featured in numerous places including at Barnes & Noble, national pet expos and more.
Eric lives life to the fullest despite his challenges with type 1 diabetes and he strives to inspire others to overcome! Eric and Angelyne’s bond, story and presentation was unique and unforgettable.
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