Deaf dog flips at Riverview Christian School

By Zachary Laux
Times Staff Writer

Riverview Christian School students and staff hold hoops for Angelyne the Amazing Deaf Cattle Dog to jump through. (Zachary Laux / Fort Morgan Times)

Students at Riverview Christian School near Brush "oohed" and "awed" as the dog performed tricks. The Australian cattle dog sought out treats, jumped for tennis balls and even jumped through a series of hoops, all without the use of her ears. The dog is deaf.

Dog trainer Eric Melvin brought Angelyne the Amazing DEAF Cattle Dog, to the Morgan County school Tuesday, not only to show off the ticks she can do, but to teach students important life lessons. Melvin and Angelyne are both originally from Colorado and have traveled the United States performing tricks and speaking to students. Their lessons aim to teach students about acceptance, the value of practice and how to overcome challenges.

Eric Melvin scratches the belly of his dog, Angelyne. (Zachary Laux 

Melvin and Angelyne have been presenting to groups for about seven years and reached two major milestones in that time. Melvin and Angelyne passed their 400th presentation and hit 400 volunteer hours.
Melvin told students at Riverview Tuesday that meeting Angelyne was one of the best things to ever come into his life. But it was also unexpected, or perhaps it was fate.

"Angelyne was a gift to me," Melvin said. "I chose her because I am supposed to be here. I am supposed to do this work."

Melvin met Angelyne in Fort Collins after reading a newspaper ad reporting a litter of seven puppies were born.

Melvin said at about eight weeks old, the unnamed puppy that would later become known as Angelyne behaved differently.

Continue to read more about the amazing deaf dog, Angelyne