Eric Melvin and his amazing deaf cattle dogs inspire others to achieve anything they set out to do.
The Australian cattle dog lies motionless on a balance beam, intently focused on her partner’s face, ignoring the treat placed a couple of feet in front of her while she waits.
A small hand gesture is given, and she stands up and steps forward on the beam, grabbing the treat and sitting back down on command, patiently waiting before grabbing the next treat further up.
She is focused on her partner’s every move, waiting to be released to grab the treat. In another display, she brings a toy, drops it at her partner’s feet, backs up and lays down, watching him throw it and waiting to be released to fetch it.
This is only a bit of the impressive dog training on display that Eric Melvin and Maddie perform regularly in front of crowds as part of an inspirational speaking presentation throughout the Colorado Springs area where they live and beyond. However, it is made even more impressive by the fact that Maddie is also deaf and has been trained to respond to Melvin’s hand signals. Her deafness and ability to learn and thrive with it have earned her the moniker Maddie the Marvelous Deaf Cattle Dog.
The Start of Eric Melvin’s Journey
Eric Melvin’s journey to becoming an inspirational speaker began in his youth when he was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at the age of 14. He describes this as a turning point, a challenge that taught him the value of resilience, persistence and toughness. While growing up, he was exposed to many talented motivational speakers and a family that encouraged him to work hard and persevere toward his goals.
Then, Melvin met Angelyne. He adopted the Australian cattle dog when she was 7 weeks old, having had much experience with the breed. He did not realize until working with her in a puppy class that Angelyne was, in fact, totally deaf. After a vet confirmed the diagnosis, Melvin was asked, “What are you going to do about it?” He chose to learn how to work with her and as a result, his life completely changed once again.
Meeting Angelyne the Amazing Cattle Dog
Angelyne the Amazing Cattle Dog was an incredibly special and impactful dog. While Eric Melvin learned to work with her and began devising his own system of hand signals and commands, he also realized that both he and Angelyne had an inspirational message they could share with the world.
Beginning in 2007, the duo performed 570 public presentations and countless private training sessions. They traveled across the country, giving television and radio interviews, and even auditioned for “America’s Got Talent” in 2010.
Angelyne more than earned her title and became the most famous deaf dog. When asked about a favorite presentation memory, Melvin replied, “I have an astounding and inspiring collection of presentation experiences that have changed my life forever. I treasure each presentation but the most impactful are those when I get the opportunity to work with youth programs, people of all ages with visible and invisible disabilities and people that have had similar challenges and life experiences that I’ve had.”
Angelyne’s Legacy Passed to Maddie
Sadly, after 13 years of demonstrations, Angelyne’s career ended in early 2020, and she passed on later that year. Together, the pair touched lives and shared their message far and wide. Her impact is still felt and can be seen in the artwork given to Melvin, in the videos others have made about how she impacted them, or in the stories still shared about her.
Melvin was devastated to lose his partner and friend but decided to carry on the work they had done. Once ready, he began reaching out about finding another deaf cattle dog to work with. Ultimately, he learned about Maddie, an 8-month-old deaf Australian cattle dog located in Arizona.
After meeting Maddie, Melvin knew he had found his next partner. Together, they began building a bond built on trust and hard work. Maddie has taken to the role well, and Melvin is excited to see what the future will bring for her as she carries on Angelyne’s legacy.
Training and Working with Deaf Dogs
Over the years, Melvin developed a training system that he uses to train his dogs and that he shares with other owners of deaf (and hearing) dogs. “Deaf dogs have changed my life and my work with them has given me lots of recognition and opportunities but has also given me a bigger responsibility in advocating, training and setting a good example.”
Melvin has developed a reputation as a resource for owners of deaf dogs – many people are referred to him by word of mouth – and is known for using training built upon trust and bonding as opposed to any gadgets or force.
“Having a deaf dog is not for a lazy person” he states. “Deaf dogs don’t know that they’re deaf and they should not be blamed for what they lack or how they are handled, cared for and trained by humans. Humans let deaf dogs down and give up on them and don’t want to do the work, not the other way around. One of my missions is to help people build a bond with their deaf dogs and find a new purpose and meaning to their lives together. I believe the biggest challenges in working with deaf dogs are the humans involved with them, good or indifferent.”
Melvin perfected his system over the years with Angelyne and is using the same one with Maddie. Anyone familiar with Australian cattle dogs can tell you that they thrive when they have a “job” to do, and Melvin uses that to help with his training.
He built his system from trial and error while also adjusting it as needed based on the dogs’ personalities. Angelyne was a “consummate working dog and professional” with whom he often practiced up to three hours a day.
Due to the system, Melvin has put into place, Maddie is learning at a faster pace and in a more casual manner, with about one hour of practice daily. Some of these differences could come from dogs’ different upbringings – Angelyne came home with Melvin at 7 weeks old and they began bonding quickly; whereas Maddie came along later and building a bond with her was a little different as she had to adjust to a new way of life, new expectations, and a new relationship. Melvin shares that Maddie enjoys her work and practice and that she is very motivated by her treats and toys.
The Message
Since 2007, Melvin, Angelyne, and now Maddie have given nearly 600 public presentations across the country sharing their story and message. What is the message that they share? Per Melvin, he tailors his specific message to the audience but “the impactful and meaningful messages I hope to convey in each presentation can include: finding your calling and making the commitment, resilience, compassion, passion, desire, going the extra mile, love, second chances, visible and invisible disabilities, overcoming adversity, determination, collaboration and thinking outside the box.”
While Melvin especially loves to teach children about these topics, his shows can and have made an impression on all ages.
Melvin says children respond well to his message and to animals, but seeing one overcome their disability and thrive really seems to speak to them. His presentations are interactive, and he allows participants to engage with Maddie and run her through commands. “I’ve never had a child not raise their hands when I ask if they want to work with her,” he stated.
The Future of Eric Melvin and his Cattle Dogs
What goals does Melvin have for the future with Maddie? He plans to continue doing presentations and is looking to speak again anywhere his and Maddie’s message will be welcomed, from schools to Scout meetings to retirement homes and everywhere in between, just as he did with Angelyne.
In addition, Melvin offers private training sessions for both deaf and hearing dogs where he shares his wealth of knowledge and experience with those willing to do the work to build a better relationship with their dog. Melvin often says, “Find your calling, make the commitment,” and he has followed his own advice.
Anyone interested in contacting Melvin regarding training or presentations can follow his social media channels: “Eric and Angelyne the Amazing DEAF Cattle Dog”, “Maddie the Marvelous DEAF Cattle Dog” and “Deaf Cattle Dog Essentials.” Presentations can also be booked via deafdogessentials@gmail.com.
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