Marvelous Marvin comes to the aid of Comet

MARVELOUS MARVIN, a dog of many talents, is a black Labrador adopted by Dr E.J. Finocchio, a veterinarian with the Rhode Island SPCA.

Marvin is a handicapped dog who was twice returned to the shelter and nearly euthanized when Dr. Finocchio rescued him in November 2002.

Since then, Marvin has “given back” many times over in visits to more than 90 nursing homes, hospitals, day care centers, schools, libraries and camps. This program is so popular that Marvin’s Paw Patrol has been formed to train other dogs and their human accompanists for the program.

Marvin has also proven to be an accomplished artist. He uses his tail to paint abstract watercolors, which are sold to aid handicapped dogs. He has turned his paw to writing a children’s book called “Marvelous Marvin.” With earnings of more than $90,000 from these projects, Marvin is the largest contributor to the R.I. SPCA. A special “Marvin fund” has been set up.

One pet project of Marvin’s, especially dear to his heart since he has a crippled hind leg, is providing specially made wheel chairs to enable other handicapped dogs to be mobile.

Comet, a golden retriever belonging to the Carney family of Cranston, lost the use of both hind legs in an automobile accident and would have had to be euthanized if not for an ingenious wheel chair donated by Marvin.

Amy Carney says that Comet maneuvers beautifully with his wheel chair, plays with the kids, goes everywhere and is a member of the family just as if he had the use of all four legs.

Dr. Finocchio says that this dog is a living example that adversity can be overcome, and that it doesn’t take a lot to make a positive difference in someone’s life.