Friday, December 12, 2008

Maisie and Marv

Cutie pie Maisie got up her courage to get close to Marv, and even petted him. But this pint-sized redhead is keeping an eye on him.....he's alot bigger than she is, you know!

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Marvin Finalist - 2008 Beyond Limits Awards

Delta Society Finalists
2008 Beyond Limits Awards sponsored by Purina
Rescue Category: E.J. Finocchio and Marvin (RI)
Marvin and Dr. Finocchio have received Honorable Mentions 2 years in a row, and now have become finalists.
Nominees must have a minimum 2 years experience as a Pet Partners team and the animal partner must be adopted from a shelter/rescue organization.
Read about the Delta Society program http://www.deltasociety.org/

Monday, December 1, 2008

Thursday, November 13, 2008

Brianna's artwork

Here is Brianna's portrait of Marvin laying on his "Snoopy" cushion. Very nice....must be a future artist.




"Reading with Robin" Interviews Authors Allen & Linda Anderson



Robin Krall, the host of "Reading with Robin" will interview the authors of "Angel Dogs with a Mission." The program will air Saturday, November 22 from 7:00 - 8:00 am on 920AM WHJJ...also streams live at www.920whjj.com

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

"Angel Dogs with a Mission" Available Online

Marvin and Dr. E.J. Finocchio are included in the new book, "Angel Dogs with a Mission" by Allen and Linda Anderson. Marvin's story is one of 20 in the remarkable collection of true stories of dogs who have found their purpose in life.
Available from New World Library
BUY ONLINE HERE

Friday, November 7, 2008

Marvin's Online Store

Marvelous Marvin has his own online store, just like the RISPCA. He's just starting out, but new products will be added in the near future. Right now, you can buy a T Shirt with his picture on it, a small print, notecards & postcards, and a 2009 calendar. You simply order as many as you like online and its shipped to you.

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Marvin To become Honorary Member of RI Watercolor Society

Marvin is pleased to announce that he will become an honorary member of the prestigious RI Watercolor Society for the open juried show, All Creatures Great and Small. The exhibit will be at the Boat House, Slater Park, Pawtucket, RI from February 15 - March 5. The opening reception is Sunday, February 15 and Marvin will be exhibiting 7 paintings.

Friday, October 31, 2008

Honey the Chihuahua Update


Miss Honey is doing great in her new home - happy and healthy!
Doesn't she look cute in her halloween bandana?
Read about Marvin's Friend Honey, who was thrown from a third story window, and now is in her new loving home.

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Scituate Arts Festival Photos





The Artist takes a break on this beautiful fall day at the RISPCA booth.

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Marvin at 89% of fundraising goal


Help Marvin reach 100%

by sponsoring him at the Howling Hounds Dog Walk!

Sunday, October 26 is the big day for our dogs.

Thursday, October 9, 2008

Scituate Arts Festival This Weekend



Join Marvin and fellow artists at the Scituate Arts Festival
October 11 - 13.
Village Green - Route 116
No. Scituate, RI
www.scituateartsfestival.org - see their website for directions
FREE ADMISSION
300+ Artists/Craftsmen * Antiques * Regional/Ethnic Foods
Musical Entertainment * Arts & Crafts Raffle

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

Marvin's face on tile - artwork by summer camper

A very artistic young person did this great portrait of marvin on tile at this year's summer camp.
Great job!

Thursday, September 25, 2008

Marvin's story included in new book "Angel Dogs with a Mission"

"Angel Dogs with a Mission: Divine Messengers in Service to All Life" by Minnesota authors, Allen and Linda Anderson

From news release:

Marvin's story, along with 19 others, is a collection of true stories about dogs who found their purpose in life and gave bucket-loads without expecting a return. It will be released October 1, 2008 by New World Library.

As with the hugely popular Marley & Me, millions of dog lovers will want to be inspired and entertained by the dramatic human-and-dog journeys in this new book. The amazing stories provide laughter, proof that miracles are possible, and tears - the good kind.

* Keno, the yellow Lab took only 22 minutes to find a lift operator, buried in an avalanche (people can't survive more than 30 minutes) and was named Search and Rescue Dog of the Year in 2002 by Purina.
* Abdul, the first service dog, trained by Bonnie Bergin and Kerrill Knaus-Hardy in the mid-70s, paved the way for people with disabilities to gain independence.
* Marvin, a lame, Rhode Island SPCA Labrador retriever turned family pet, paints with his tail, has exhibits of his artwork, visits schools and nursing homes, and raises money to enable elderly and sick people to keep their pets.
* Anna, a German shepherd at Ground Zero after September 11, damaged her lungs searching through the wreckage and inspired Sarah Atlas to start an assistance program for volunteer search and rescue dog handlers.
* Kobi, a yellow Lab and beloved family pet with an exceptional sense of smell and intelligence, became one of the most famous cancer-sniffing dogs in the world and contributed to breakthrough research from combating this deadly disease.
* Tuffy, a King Charles Cavalier served as grief counselor with Dr. Karla Rose during the horrible days following the Virginia Tech shootings
* Skidboot, the world famous Texas blue heeler of cowboy and entertainer David Hartwig, was a guest on Jay Leno, Oprah, and David Letterman shows but started life as an abandoned puppy who grew up to become an inspiration for millions.
This book is a tribute to the fact that many of our most effective doctors, nurses, therapists, police officers, emotional counselors, rescue workers, and spiritual teachers have four legs instead of two."-- Amelia Kinkade, author of Straight from the Horse's Mouth: How to Talk to Animals and Get Answers and The Language of Miracles

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

New MarvArt Paintings Available

"Baltimore Oriole"


Marvin has created four new original watercolors:


  1. "Gladiolas"

  2. "Bird of Paradise"

  3. Baltimore Oriole"

  4. "On Point" SOLD

All of his available original and print artwork can be seen here...

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Marvin tops $100,000 mark with $6,500 check from Prov Realtors

The Greater Providence Board of Realtors has once again opened not only their hearts but also thier wallets with a very generous donation. Last year they wrote a check for a $7,000 donation and this year they donated $6,500.Their bighearted contribution has put Marvin's fundraising efforts over the $100,000 mark. Due to the support of the GPBR and many others, the Marvin Fund has helped over 1000 pets in need of medical assistance. Many of these pets are owned by elderly and disabled citizens who without the aid of the Marvin Fund may have lost their best friends. The RISPCA and Marvin want to thank all of you for your kindness in helping those who can not help themselves.

See the check from last year http://www.marvinfund.org/realtor_check3833.jpg

Thursday, September 11, 2008

Sponsors helping Marvin with fundraising goal

Marvin's half way there to meet his goal of raising $2,500 for the Dog Walk.


Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Mercedes the boxer


Read about our new Marvin's Friend Mercedes the Boxer at Marv's website at http://www.marvinfund.org/friends.html

Wednesday, September 3, 2008

Marvin has surgery

Marvin had surgery on his rear hind leg on Wednesday, September 3 to remove a tumor. He is up and around, has a positive attitude, and is expected to recover quite nicely. The surgery was performed by his owner, Dr. Finocchio.

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Julia's donation for the Marvin Fund


Julia and her friend had a lemonade stand and raised money for the Marvin Fund.
Great job, Julia!





Thursday, August 21, 2008

Help sponsor Marvin at the Howling Hounds Dog Walk

Marvin invites you to sponsor him to raise money for our shelter at this fall's Howling Hounds Dog Walk. The big event is October 26th and you can be the first to sponsor Marvin.
Go to his Fundraising Page at
The Marvin Fund has helped almost 1000 animals in need.

Friday, August 15, 2008

Dwarf horses Pokey and Angel

It's not very often that the RISPCA has a horse in the lobby.......
but Pokey and Angel came by for corrective trimming of their hooves. The little horses have limb and facial deformities and have become Marvin's friends. You can read all about the folks who rescued them, and see a Photo Gallery/Slideshow HERE.




Pokey, Marvin, and Angel

Thursday, August 14, 2008

Monday, August 11, 2008

Marv and Megan Sacked Out



Marvin snuggles with his pal Megan when he stayed overnight at her house. Someone grabbed a camera and caught them doing some serious snoozin.'

Monday, August 4, 2008

"Marvelous Marvin comes to the aid of Comet"

Thanks to Marvin's Fund, Comet has been outfitted with specially made wheelchair By Marlyn Graff

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Pumpkin Patch Day Care Sends Marv a Bone

Marvin got this wonderful thank you card in the shape of a bone - the kids at Pumpkin Patch Day Care in Cranston all signed it.

Thanks, Marvin

Monday, July 21, 2008

Gianna's Artwork




3 year old Gianna's artwork for Marvin and his friend

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

Thank you card




You are welcome!

Wednesday, July 9, 2008

A note from Edward.....

hI MARVIN
i am one of the kids from nses and wanted to say what a cool dog you are and how nice you are to visit all those people and hospitles and schols. i hope i see you again.
P.S. wright back
from Edward

Friday, June 27, 2008

"Thank you from the bottom of my heart......"

June 24, 2008
Dear Marvin,
I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for saving my cat’s life. I look at him now, healthy and never tired of playing, and I shudder to think that if it weren’t for concerned people like you, his ashes would be sitting in an urn right now.
He came to me one day as a stray. He was in my back yard eating bread I had thrown out for the birds. He could hardly walk and was so thin you could see every vertebrae on his spine.
He was thrown out because he needed medical attention.
I am on a fixed income, and when the vet told me his fee I cried because I couldn’t come up with the full amount. I was sick with the thought he would be put to sleep.
Then I was told about your group, Marvin, and the people who care so very much. You helped me pay the vet bill and at this minute he is sitting on my lap purring. He is a white cat, and I named him Snowy.
Thanking you from the bottom of my heart, I will forever donate to your cause as I might help another animal live.
Thanks again,
Barbara

Monday, June 23, 2008

Marvin Gets Mail

Thank you Marvin for helping Blake with all of his problems. He's very grateful that he has a second chance. He loves Donna his mom - she has a very bad liver problem. She prays that God will keep Blake healthy for as long as he can. They need each other and love each other. Thank you so much Marvin you are a pretty and great dog.
Donna and Blake


Hi Marvin!
Just wanted to say you are a truly inspirational dog!!! I wish more PEOPLE could be like you. I have 3 dogs at home, one of which is deaf. he was abandoned as a puppy, because he was "different." He lives 6 months in a shelter, until we finally found him and brought him into our family. he , too, knows what it is like to be homeless and live with a disability. I am so thankful to have him in my life! You are such a good boy, for trying to reach out and help others the way you do. I wish I was there to give youa big hug and lots of pets. Keep up the good work!!
Hugs,
Penny Hamilton

Thursday, June 12, 2008

Wednesday, June 11, 2008

Thank you card and artwork from Ashley



Ashley Carlson met Marvin at our spaghetti dinner and "really enjoyed playing with you. You are so cute and smart." She sent this nice card and artwork of Marvin to him.

Tuesday, June 10, 2008

Marvin visits with volunteers

Dr. Finocchio and Marvin with friends from the HMEA, who come to our shelter on a weekly basis. The Mission of HMEA is ..."HMEA affirms and promotes the values, dreams and potential of people with developmental disabilities through education, support and life experiences. " They were helping assemble our newsletter today, but always make things for our cats and dogs.




It may have been the hottest day of the year but they didn't let that stop them from coming in to help our animals!
Marvin and one of his friends.