Update on Marvin

Dr. and Mrs. Finocchio, their son Tim, and Marvin




All of us at the RISPCA and my family wishes to thank all of you for all your support over the past week. .
The laboratory results revealed that the mass on his spleen was a leiomyosarcoma which unfortunately is a malignant tumor. This type of tumor is not one that is overly aggressive however. The nodules on his liver were benign which is excellent news.
Marvin will be 10 years old on the 4th of July and my wish is to have him just a few more years with a good quality of life and not one of convalescing from this treatment and that treatment.

I promised him long ago that when the time comes to visit Rainbow Bridge, I will take him there and throw a tennis ball across the bridge and should he chase it across the bridge I know it was the right time to let him go. This past week we visited the bridge and I threw the ball clear across it. He chased it but only to the edge of the bridge, turned and looked at me and came back to me. I gave him a big hug and we went home.
Marvin has always been a survivor and his story has inspired many to never give up in life's struggle. In conclusion, he is recovering marvelously and almost back to his old self and just itching to chase a tennis ball, take a walk in the woods, chase the Canadians from the fields, lick the face of a sick child at Hasbro and put a smile on a forgotten face in a nursing home. So much to do in such a short time.
All your prayers, comments, letters, cards, emails have certainly lightened the load for us this past week. We will go on to live and appreciate each day one at a time. Only in the darkest of night can you clearly see the stars and each one of you are Marvin's stars.
We want to especially thank Drs. Michael Bruzzi, Susan M. Newell and David Sweet for their excellent care and treatment of Marvin...
Always, Dr.& Mrs. Finocchio, Tim, RISPCA Staff & Marvin

PS: Marvin made a short visit to Bernon Heights Elementary School in Woonsocket on March 30 to collect over 1500 pounds of food collected by the students.

"Hope you get better..."

Get well wishes and prayers from Marvin's buddy Megan
click on the image to see large size

* Marvin out on sick leave for two weeks*

Last Wednesday, Marvin became sick and was brought to Dr. Bruzzi, who examined him and found an abdominal mass on his spleen and liver via radiographs. We then contacted Dr. David Sweet who is a friend of Marvin. He suggested we have Marvin's abdomen ultra sounded to be more specific about the mass. The ultrasound confirmed a large tennis ball size mass on Marvin's spleen.
It was then decided by Dr. Bruzzi, Dr. Sweet, and Dr. Finocchio (Marvin's owner) that surgical removal was in the best interest of Marvin, with hopes that the mass was benign and not malignant. Marvin underwent about 3 hours of surgery on March 24th to remove his spleen and nodules on his liver.
He came home today and is still a bit under the weather but happy to see Mr. Bear and all his other stuffed friends and of course he couldn't wait to put a tennis ball in his mouth, slowly but it was a morale booster for his dad.
We want to thank all of Marvin's friends, his fellow employees at the RISPCA and everyone who has sent their prayers and best wishes, especially, Dr. Michael Bruzzi and his staff at Dighton/Reboboth Animal Hospital, Dr. Newell who performed the ultrasound at Ocean State Veterinary Services and Dr David Sweet and his staff at Bay State Veterinary Emergency Services .
Now all we have to do is keep our paws crossed and hope that the tumor is benign.We will continue to update you on Marvin's progress in the days ahead.
He will be out on sick leave for two weeks.
(cross-posted on both blogs)

Jewish Community Day School 4th Graders

Dear Marvin and Dr. F.,
Thank you so much, Dr. F., for bringing Marvin to our class and teaching us about animal safety.
we loved the tricks he did!
Sincerely,
The 4th grade class
Jewish Community Day School

Marvin Voted "Best Local Pet Illustrator/ Painter"

Marvin has been voted the "Best Local Pet Illustrator/ Painter" in TheAnimalPrintMagazine's 2008 Reader's Choice Awards. See the current issue online here.
Last year, Marvin came in 2nd place so he'd like to thank all of you who took the time to vote for him!
And his website www.marvinfund.org came in 3rd place for "Best Local Pet Website" so two paws up!

"Paw" Traits 2009

Painting by Gloria Merchant

"Paw" Traits 2009

March 22 - April 18th

Opening Reception Sunday, March 22 from 1 - 3 PM

RISPCA Auditorium

An exhibit and sale of portraits of rescued shelter animals

And

An exhibit and sale of Marvin 's original watercolor paintings.

Proceeds to benefit the Marvin Fund.