Marvelous Marvin Recognized by Rhode Island General Assembly 2007- H6574 State of Rhode Island in General Assembly January Session, A.D. 2007 |
| HOUSE RESOLUTION Congratulating the Rhode island Society For the Prevention of Cruelty of Animals and Ernest J. Finocchio, D.V.M. For Utilizing the Marvelous Talents of Marvin Introduced By: Representatives Lima,Wasylyk, Trillo, Baldelli-Hunt, and Lewiss Date Introduced: June 2, 2007 Referred To: House read and passed WHEREAS, Ernest J. Finocchio, a D.V.M. and President of the Rhode Island Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RISPCA), is an enormously well-respected animal advocate, who generously and consistently contributes his time and energies to the betterment of the community and our furry friends;and WHEREAS, In 2003, Dr. Finocchio "embarked" on a noble mission to brighten the days of those in need and educate young people through pet therapy and humane education programs;and WHEREAS, The key to the success of the initiative was the remarkable talent, keen intellect and friendly disposition of Marvin, an eight year old Black Labrador, known to his many friends and admirers as "Marv", "M&M", "Marvelous Marvin", or just Marvin; and WHEREAS, As a young pup, Marvin's right hind leg had been injured, leaving him with a permanent disability. After three and a half years, his family could no longer care for him, so he was placed in a shelter and put up for adoption; and WHEREAS, Marvin was adopted by a new family, but sadly was returned to the shelter as his new family could not accept his disability. Through patience and an unfailingly sunny disposition, Marvin perservered and found a lifelong home, and perhaps just as importantly, he found his true calling; and WHEREAS, Graduating at the top of his class, Marvin attained his ATT certification as a therapy dog. Pet assisted therapy is based on the unique bond that exists between human beings and animals. Marvin is particularly well suited for this career as his main goal is to love and please the humans in his life, including total strangers; and WHEREAS, Marvin works forty hours a week as a volunteer and goodwill ambassador for the RISPCA and receives no monetary compensation, although he does appreciate the occasional biscuit and pat on the head; and WHEREAS, Over the course of the past four years, Marvin has visited over 83 different nursing homes, hospitals, schools, rehabilitation hospitals, day care centers, libraries and summer camps, and more than 5,000 children throughout the state. He is a natural at his job. He has the innate ability to detect emotions in people from clues which are invisible to most of us, and will instinctively comfort a person whom he senses is in distress or in need of some extra attention; and WHEREAS, Marvin has also "single-pawedly" raised more than $73,000 from the sales of his book entitled "Marvelous Marvin", and from his water color paintings called "MarvArt." The proceeds from sales have enabled the special animal friends of elderly, disabled, and less fortunate persons, to receive the medical help they need, but that their families are unable to finance;, and WHEREAS, Although Marin is a true celebrity, visiting with the Governor, featured in the newspaper, appearing on the radio and TV, he has never let the "dog and pony show" go to his head. He is, and will forever be, a kind and gentle creature, whose life's ambition is to love and be loved; now, therefore be it RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations hereby congratulates and commends Marvin, Ernest J. Finoccho, D.V.M., and the Rhode Island Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. We wish them all the very best of health and happiness in all their future endevors; and be it further RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and he hereby is authorized and directed to transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to Ernest J. Finoccio, D.V.M. and the Rhode Island Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. |
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