Angelyne



I picked Angelyne out of a litter of puppies listed in a newspaper ad. She was eight weeks old when I brought her home. As a puppy and like now Angelyne was very curious, smart and independent. At the time I lived in a very spacious place that I let her wander around in. She was focused but high energy and a bit scattered at times but I thought that’s how puppies were. Having been around Australian Cattle Dogs since I was a teenager I knew how smart, agile and lively they are and I decided to take a puppy obedience class. I figured it would be good for both of us.

For the first 4 weeks of class it seemed like we were working twice as hard as the others to get the basics. The instructor could tell we were struggling and approached us after class. She asked if Angelyne had been checked for deafness. I said no and she did a few things to get Angelyne’s attention with her head turned. Angelyne never moved, flinched or turned her head. She recommended I take her in for a hearing test.

I made the appointment and went to see the vet. The vet learned almost instantaneously Angelyne was deaf with some tests because of experience she had working with another deaf dog she helped care for. It was no big deal for me to learn that Angelyne was deaf because I had already fallen in love with her. I was instinctively ready for the commitment and experience of my life. I’m not sure how I but I was.

The next 4 weeks Angelyne picked up basic hand signal commands faster than the hearing dogs were picking up their commands for the same exercises. We left the class with an award for Most Improved Handler / Team, a handful of basic ideas for signals to work with and a lot of confidence. Since the class I have dedicated at least 30 minutes each day to practicing and teaching Angelyne signals and commands. She now knows and responds to over 30 different hand signals and body language commands.

Many times when Angelyne and I are outside playing and practicing passersby will stop and watch. Angelyne and I enjoy attending pet expos, dog events and more while entertaining people of all ages. She has won numerous awards and made special appearances performing her lively and eye-opening trick shows and obedience. People are amazed to see a deaf dog that can do so much. I’m not amazed because I know this is what Angelyne was born to do: make people smile and give them inspiration that anything is possible if you’re willing to try.