MARVIN'S PAGE

Marvin was a mixed breed dog that was pulled out of the South L.A. Shelter on May 15, 2005.  We think that Marvin is part Boston Terrier and part Boxer. He has one blue eye and one brown eye.   He was found as a stray on the streets of Los Angeles.  Based on his condition, Marvin was either on his own for a long time or in a seriously abusive situation.  He was infested with intestinal parasites and worms and as a result he suffered from acute anemia. Marvin also had a hare lip and very large "third eyelids" that covered a portion of his eyes. It appeared that someone did a home trimming process on his ears, we hoped that the ears would heal properly and the emotional scars were not deep seated.   Marvin had some skin issues and was covered with some sort of chewing gum, tar or sticky substance when we got him. He was also infested with fleas and ticks that were quickly removed once he was out of the shelter.

This page is the work of Marvin's fabulous foster mom, Judy Marks.  Judy shared with everyone Marvin's progress while in her care and after he was adopted by the wonderful Stan! 

 

  

This is Marvin's Mug Shot from the South Los Angeles Shelter

Photo taken upon arrival on May 8, 2005

Special thanks to Officer Debra Bettencourt who facillitated Marvin's Adoption

Here is a gallery of shots of Marvin. Judy brought him back to her house where he got a warm bath and some gentle tick and flea removal.  He looked better already.  After a meal of rice and baby food, Marvin took a long long nap.  Photos taken May 15, 2005

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

UPDATE MAY 21, 2005

Marvin spent 5 days at the vet getting his intestinal issues in order and recovering under supervision.  He is still emaciated and now has a cough and sniffles.  He has to be isolated down in the guest room for about 10 days.  I got a receipe for homemade dog food from Christa one of the Boston Buddies and made it last night.  The main ingredients are Beef Liver, Spinach, Broccoli, Sweet Potatoes, Rice, Tuna, and some Olive Oil.  I tried it on my two Bostons, and Emily spun around like a whirlybird-she dug it!  Bones liked it too, so it must be yummy.  Marvin had a meal when he got here: some Eukanuba Low Residue kibble mixed in with a half a cup of homemade marvin yum yum. He snarfed it down.

Here is a synopsis of the vets evaluation.  Marvin is still anemic.  We will take another blood sample in 10 days.  He still has diarrhea and that will subside with some intestinal antibiotics.  He now has kennel cough which emerges in a high percentage of dogs that spend even one day in a shelter. So I can hear him sniffling and he has a runny nose.  His hare lip repair is a realtively easy procedure that we will do when we neuter him.  The third eyelid issue is not imparing his sight and does not require surgery.  His eyes are bit sunken in and maybe with a better diet and when he fills out, it will get better.  For all of us Boston Lovers this is quite a switch because their eyes usually bulge.  So he is not on death's door, and once we get him healthy enough to come in contact with other dogs, we can do a behavior assessment.  He is following me everywhere right now, I guess he is feeling a little insecure.   Marvin wants to thank all of you that contributed to his expensive stay at the vets and his continuing health care issues.  He want to extend a special paw to the women of the BT 500-you know who you are!

This afternoon we will do an ear cleaning, and attempt to remove more of the gum/tar that is on Marvin's flank.  I will try using Mineral Oil. My two BT's know there is a "guest" in the guest room but are not allowed to meet him.  They are moderately interested...Dugan the Scottie is obsessed.

Here are some photos of Marvin today: May 21, 2005

 

May 22, 2005

What a difference a day makes....Marv was very playful today, prancing around like a baby gazelle, playing with the ball, and chewing on his Greenie. He even found time to flirt with the neighbor Judith.  Tomorrow Marv goes to work with me, and he will be bored out of his skull, but at least he can keep an eye on me. 

 

May 24, 2005

Marvin's sweet personality and puppy traits are emerging.  He loves to play with toys and chew on rawhide strips.  His appetite is wonderful and the housebreaking is going really well.  The cough is subsiding and stools are firming!  Life is good!

Here are some Marv Glamour shots I took today .

                       

May 28, 2005

Marvin's true inner puppy is revealing itself.  He is playful, energetic, and curious. He got a new toy today.  A football with ropes coming out either end.  Boy does he love this toy!  I think he is teething.  Every time he gets to biting my shoe, hand, watch, I stick a bone or toy in his mouth.  His housebreaking is really going well and he has not had any accidents since Tuesday.   He has met about 6 different dogs and has gotten along with all of them. He really wants to play and bound around.  My two Bostons are older and don't really want to play like that...they are indifferent to his invitations.  He goes down into play stance and then pokes at the other dog with his paw. Tomorrow he will meet Baxter a new dog friend of mine....we will see how that goes.

Here are some Marv pictures I took today.

                                                                          Marv is filling out.                                               Marvin got a new toy!  Oh Boy!

 

May 29, 2005

Marvin is making friends with the neighbors on Glen Green.  Here he is with Samantha . Then he met Joe!  Marvin was so tired from playing with his toys he just snoozed in the middle of the driveway!

 

May 30, 2005

Big News.  A wonderful man has opened his heart to Marvin and wants to give him a forever home.  We dont want to jinx it, we are keeping our paws crossed..... If everything works out, Marvin will have a new brother and sister, Baxter and Sophie. and three new horse siblings too!

 

Marvin was invited over for dinner at his benefactor's house and here is a photo with Stan.

He had a really nice time at The River House playing with Baxter and giving Sophie gentle kisses.  We think that he made a good impression cause he was asked back to stay permanently!!!  Tomorrow is Marvin's big surgery day.  He will be recovering under the loving care of Stan and Sebastian.  Marv would like to thank all of his Boston Buddies for their prayers and good wishes. 

June 3, 2005

We have to wait on Marvin's neuter because he is still anemic. The vet believes that it may be parasites in his blood, so he is on meds for another two weeks.  Stan and I decided that it would be best to get him used to his new home and siblings.  He can rest, have fun, and enjoy his new home.  Evidently he is making himself comfortable with long leisurely naps, warm spa treatments and watching TV with Sophie and Baxter.  Here are some photos of Marvin and his new life.

 

Chicken Handouts with Sophie and Baxter

  Baxter, are you gonna share that?                      Sophie and Marvin watching Baxter

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Entrance to the Stables                                        Lovely Pool on the East Lawn                         Marvin plays with Baxter and Sophie

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Oh Marvin, you are one Lucky Dog

 

Marvin Update July 28, 2005

I was lucky to be invited to Marvin's house for a party last Friday night and I am thrilled to report that Marvin was the Belle of the Ball.   He looks wonderful, and was busy greeting everyone and rolling around in the grass exposing his snow white belly for rubs.  His coat is gorgeous, he has put on at least 15 lbs. and his spirits are great. Stan  told me he still has anemia and possibly some liver issues.  Stan has provided the finest medical care that is available and we are so grateful.  Marvin is flourishing!  Here are some photos Stan sent.  He especially loves the one of Marvin lounging on Frette Sheets bearing a strong resemblance to Marilyn Monroe.  What a long way from the South Central Shelter! 

THE MARVINATOR IN ACTION !

         

 

Marvin Update November 26, 2005

 

I went to visit Stan, Marvin, Baxter and Sophie today and all I can say is WOW.  Marvin is one happy dog!  He is also quite the Moose .  I think he tops 65lbs.   He and Baxter were very happy to see me and play with the Fleece Ball that I brought over.

Marvin has had his health issues for sure!  In fact, one of Stan's many veterinary specialists affectionately called Marvin "One of God's Lemons." 

Marvin will probably be on medication for the rest of his life.  But he is so playful and happy and loved.  I cant wait to see Marvin over the Christmas Holidays.  He will make a very cute White Reindeer. 

Stan we are so THANKFUL for you, and all the love you have for your incredible animals.