In 2002, I had to put Watley my Llassa Apso /Labrador of 15 years to sleep. She was all black with a white chin and white paws. I really wanted another dog but I had to wait until I took a few trips. When it started getting closer to the writing phase of Tammi, I knew I needed a puppy energy in my house. In September of 2003, I told everyone I was going to get a new poodle puppy and his name was going to be "Marvin."  I always name my pets after music and Marvin for me was appropriate. I also have cats named Wonder, Braxton, and Kira (Kira was Olivia's name in Xanadu).

My friends said that I should wait to name him after I see him, but I knew his face
and I knew what I wanted. I looked for him for a few months with no luck. One day
in late November I went out to my sister's house, she lives about 100 miles from me.
She knew I wanted a puppy by Christmas so we looked in the paper. I called three
of the numbers listing poodles and had no luck. The third number I dialed
answered... I asked the woman if she had any poodles left, she had one left and he
was all black with a white chin. I explained to her that I was out in the area only for
the day and wanted a puppy by Christmas. She explained that she and her
husband were going on vacation and they needed to place him soon. I got her
address and told her my name and that I would be right over (she lived minutes
from my sister) She told me her name was "Tammy"  and I said to her, "I believe
you have my puppy Tammy" When we got there I fell in love with him instantly and
she asked me what his name was...I told her Marvin.....and she said, "Wow, this
was meant to be"

I can tell you that he is the absolute best writing partner and he's the face
of all of my greeting cards.....I sing to him all the time.....