final credits - marvin
He loved to eat just about anything and was eager to retrieve balls and play with kids.
But on the eve of the passing of a state law that would fulfill his wildest dreams, Marvin died.
Marvin was Florida Governor Jeb Bush's black Labrador dog.
Marvin was trained as a hunting dog and given to Bush in 1997, the year before he was elected to his first term as governor.
Bush named the pet after his brother (media reports did not indicate what Marvin Bush's reaction was to the honour).
During the 1998 election campaign, Bush's handlers soon discovered how much extra handling their candidate's pet required.
Marvin enjoyed eating so much he nearly destroyed the set of a campaign commercial after coming across food on the picnic table being featured in the ad.
The behavior was unusual for a dog that had attended special training classes. It later turned out that as soon as Marvin was trained the state's top lawmaker and his wife Columba started spoiling him.
A Bush spokeswoman said, "He was a beautiful black lab who loved to eat and loved unconditionally."
Marvin was always a star at events at the governor's mansion. The spokesman added, "All the kids loved him and it was always a treat to meet the dog who was called Mighty Marvin."
The governor walked with Marvin every morning and the dog would stay by his side even without a leash, the spokesman further pointed out.
On June 1st, 2006 Bush was to sign a 'dining with dogs' bill. The legislation would permit local governments to let restaurants allow dogs to eat with their owners in outdoor dining areas.
The Bushes put Marvin to sleep after he suffered for months from terminal cancer.
"He'll be fondly remembered as the kindest, gentlest dog a family could have," the spokesman said. "The first lady, and the governor and the family are very sad after losing Marvin."
He was survived by three cats that constantly tried to pick fights with him -- none of whom, Bush stressed, Marvin "ever lifted a paw" against in retaliation.
As for dog heaven, a Bush spokeswoman said the governor had very specific and fond thoughts about what happens there.
He envisioned Marvin "running and playing all day long, chasing balls and dutifully returning them . . . and swimming and eating until he can't anymore."
Jeb Bush is brother of U.S. President George W. Bush.
At the time of this posting there was no official statement from the White House regarding the President's reaction.
Marvin likely has a Bacon number of 2. Other animal tributes can be found here.