Vinnie learns CPR

Lets face it I am super healthy and active and most of my siblings are a bunch of lazy schmucks.    Even though I pick on Freddie Mercury and Barney I do love them.  I want them to be happy and healthy so I can have them around to torment and agitate on a daily basis.  So I am going to be the better brother and learn CPR because the  way the two of them are going there is no hope.
The only gross part is the mouth to mouth, who know where their mouths have been?

WARNING:  The following pictures may be disturbing to many, turn off your computer if there is small children or the weak of stomach!

This is what I am up against.  Wish me luck so I can get them into shape!

-Vinnie Laine

Henry's Love Of Baseball

                                                        Take me out to the ball game,
                                                        Take me out with the crowd;
                                                 Buy me some peanuts and Cracker Jack,
                                                        I don't care if I never get back.
                                                Let me root, root, root for the home team,
                                                         If they don't win, it's a shame.
                                                   For it's one, two, three strikes, you're out,
                                                              At the old ball game.

                                
I have a love for baseball.  I think it's the best game out there.  My dad and I will go to the park and I get to hunt baseballs.  I will run into the woods and sniff out that beautiful leather ball.  Sometimes I will come home with an entire collection.  It's  so relaxing to get away from the VonHoledigger's and spend quality time with my dad.   Afterwards he will take me to the party store for a treat, my favorite is the corn dog.  My goal is to someday be the ball-boy for the Detroit Tiger's!
-Henry Thomas

Danny Feeling Hot Hot Hot!

I love to run and chase birds.  I have never caught one, but I am convinced that one day I will. 
The only thing that Vinnie and I have caught was a turtle.  Daddy named it Bacon and released it in the front yard.  We have never seen him since…
The only problem is this time of year I need to be careful and slow down.  The heat is a problem and it could really hurt a good looking boy like me.
So, I have found a little article I want to share about watching  dogs in the Summer heat.
I also added a little Music Video for your listening pleasure!
-Danny Nelson

Heat Stroke in Dogs

Understanding and Preventing Hyperthermia
By Jenna Stregowski, RVT, About.com Guide

Hyperthermia is a term describing an elevation in body temperature. This increase typically occurs as a response to a trigger, such as inflammation in the body or a hot environment. When a dog is exposed to high temperatures, heat stroke or heat exhaustion can result. Heat stroke is a very serious condition that requires immediate medical attention. Once the signs of heat stroke are detected, there is precious little time before serious damage - or even death - can occur.
Dogs do not sweat through their skin like humans - they release heat primarily by panting and they sweat through the foot pads and nose. If a dog cannot effectively expel heat, the internal body temperature begins to rise. Once the dog's temperature reaches 106°, damage to the body's cellular system and organs may become irreversible. Unfortunately, too many dogs succumb to heat stroke when it could have been avoided. Learn how to recognize the signs of heat stroke and prevent it from happening to your dog.
Signs of Heat Stroke
The following signs may indicate heat stroke in a dog:
Increased rectal temperature (over 104° requires action, over 106° is a dire emergency)
Vigorous panting
Dark red gums
Tacky or dry mucus membranes (specifically the gums)
Lying down and unwilling (or unable) to get up
Collapse and/or loss of consciousness
Thick saliva
Dizziness or disorientation
What to do if You Suspect Heat Stroke
If you have even the slightest suspicion that your dog is suffering from heat stoke, you must take immediate action.
First, move your dog out of the heat and away from the sun right away.
Begin cooling your dog by placing cool, wet rags or washcloths on the body - especially the foot pads and around the head.
DO NOT use ice or very cold water! Extreme cold can cause the blood vessels to constrict, preventing the body's core from cooling and actually causing the internal temperature to further rise. In addition, over-cooling can cause hypothermia, introducing a host of new problems. When the body temperature reaches 103°, stop cooling.
Offer your dog cool water, but do not force water into your dog's mouth.
Call or visit your vet right away - even if your dog seems better. Internal damage might not be obvious to the naked eye, so an exam is necessary (and further testing may be recommended).

P.S.  Never Leave your pet in the car!

                                                                       BACON

Freddie Mercury retaliates to Vinnie's comments!

Let me just clear some things up.  Yes, I have put on a few pounds, who hasn’t?
But, I am getting so sick of that big, white goof barking in my face, talking smack, and agitating me.
All he does is struts around this house and acts like the boss.  I am over it.  I don’t want to swim in your pool and chase an imaginary duck, try to catch fireflies, or play with  your ball.
I am tired and I want to rest.  Just leave me alone!
At least , I am not a Momma’s Boy, Vinnie!

-Freddie Mercury

Welcome Back Summer

Welcome back Summer!  The above picture is of my late, great brother Tommy, he had the right idea.  Like most of the Country we are suffering ridiculous heat.  One most go to many extremes to cool off in this inferno we live in called "East Tennessee Summer".  I might be over it all ready but at least I try.
Let me give you an example of the VonHoledigger household.  Freeway Freida, Wally and George are spending the day guarding their  food bowls in the air conditioning , Barney thinks he is security, WHATEVER!  Henry and Danny are always willing to go outside to play, and Bogey and Putter still follow Daddy everywhere, I will give them credit because they are still grieving for their parents.  But what excuse does that sorry Freddie Mercury have?   I am telling you that dog is L A Z Y!  He will only go out if the temperature is above and below a certain degree, pitiful!  He really needs to get off the sofa and start a healthy lifestyle program.  Maybe, I will sign him up for Doggy Summer Camp.  I could get rid of him for a couple of months.  What he really needs is Doggy Biggest Loser.  Brilliant!

-Vinnie


Birkenstock Arizona Sandals (Black) - Women's Sandals - 5.0 MBirkenstock Arizona Sandals (Black) - Women's Sandals - 5.0 M

Happy Father's Day!

Dear Dad,

We want to thank you for being such a wonderful daddy.    You give us constant love and attention.
You clean  up after us when we go potty, feed us on demand, and  always have a ball to toss.

You scratch our ears, cleans our eyes, and gives us our flea treatments.

You take us to the park to hunt baseballs, walk us, and  lifts our spirits.

Even though we hate it, weekly baths with mom.  Some of us more baths in a week!

Most of all you give us unconditional love, all of the time.  Thanks for being the best dad out there.

Love,
Your Children aka “ The VonHolediggers”


"A good father is one of the most unsung, unpraised, unnoticed, and yet one of the most valuable assets in our society.”
-Billy Graham

Happy Flag Day!

     
                                                           You're the emblem of
                                                                 The land I love.
                                                  The home of the free and the brave.
                                                                             ~George M. Cohan






                                             

Summer time blues!

Daddy decided he was going to build a deck where my pool sits.  I am happy for that but here he comes with this pitiful, mini baby pool.  "Here is your pool Vinnie until I am done"!
I am not going to tolerate this, take this pool and shove it off the hill.  I want my big boy pool with the ducks.  NOW!

Top Ten Poisonous Plants for Dogs!

When we were babies we loved to play in the yard and dig up plants.  Henry brought an entire Japanese Maple into the house when he was a young.  Daddy was really happy for that!
Needless, to say we have been lucky and did not get real sick from poisonous plants.  We thought we would put a little list out there about poisonous plants for dogs.  Enjoy!  


List of Poisonous Plants for dogs:

Sago Palm - While the seeds and nuts of this plant are most poisonous, the entire plant is toxic.  Animals ingesting parts of this plant may suffer from diarrhea, vomiting, depression, seizures and liver failure.
Lilies - Plants of the lily variety are very poisonous to cats.  Even very small amounts of this plant could cause serious kidney damage.
Tulips - The toxic portion of this plant is the actual bulb, which can cause drooling, central nervous system depression, gastrointestinal irritation, cardiac issues and convulsions.
Azalea - The toxins in azalea plants can be very severe and potentially cause drooling, diarrhea, vomiting, central nervous system weakening and depression, and in some cases possibly coma or death.
Marijuana - Animals who attempt to snack on this plant can suffer serious consequences such as diarrhea, vomiting, increased heart rate, drooling, in-coordination, and even possibly seizures and coma.
Oleander - All portions of this plant are poisonous and can cause gastrointestinal irritation, hypothermia, heart problems and possibly death.
Castor Bean - Poisoning as a result of this plant can cause abdominal pain, drooling, diarrhea, vomiting increased thirst, loss of appetite and weakness.  More serious cases could also lead to dehydration, tremors, seizures, twitching muscles, coma and possibly death.
Cyclamen - The most poisonous portion of this plant is located in the root.  Ingestion of the plant can cause severe vomiting and gastrointestinal irritation.  In some cases death has been reported as a result.
Kalanchoe - Ingestion of this plant can cause gastrointestinal irritation and cardiac rhythm and rate problems.
Yew - Poisoning as a result of the yew plant can affect the nervous system and cause in-coordination, trembling and breathing difficulties.  It may also result in gastrointestinal irritation, cardiac failure and could possibly lead to death.

Also, we would like to add English Ivy, Foxglove, Lupines, Philodendron, Wisteria, Yellow Jessamine, and Morning Glory.  For a more detailed list, please check out.
http://www.aspca.org/Pet-care/poison-control/plant-list-dogs

We would also like to have you check out the article from:
http://www.earthclinic.com/Pets/poisonous_plants.html
They gave us our top ten poisonous plants.

Thank you!

The Springer Collection

Barney securing the yard!

The other day I was securing the perimeter of the property singing a little ditty;

Mairzy doats and dozy doats and liddle lamzy divey
A kiddley divey too, wouldn't you?
Yes! Mairzy doats and dozy doats and liddle lamzy divey
A kiddley divey too, wouldn't you?

When all of a sudden I heard the most awful earth shattering, hideous noise. 
Tamarack, the dogs who resides across the street.

He is so repulsive.  I found myself losing my mind.  Lunging in the air, foaming at the mouth, and barking uncontrollably.  That dog is awful.
Vinnie thinks Freddie is bad this dog starts out the front door yapping, he really has little dog syndrome. 

Finally, his owner controls this little oxygen thief and I can go back to my daily chores. 
 I am now back to work and securing the yard with a new song, I am singing a little Styx.

I'm sailing away
Set an open course for the Virgin Sea
'Cause I've got to be free
Free to face the life that's ahead of me

On board, I'm the captain
So climb aboard
We'll search for tomorrow on every shore
And I'll try, oh Lord, I'll try to carry on

When there I hear the steady stream of water.  It’s  the neighbor taking a tinkle in his back yard while he burps.  What a slob, does he not know my sister is out in the yard?

Finally, the neighborhood is quiet and I am sunbathing and life is good.
When I catch the sweet aroma of cat.  I jump up like an Olympian, ready to take the cat down.  Of course I chase him out of the yard and think to myself this  must be the year of the cat.
Just like that I start singing Al Stewart…
My life is just like a musical and I Barney play the leading roll…

What is a rat?

What is a rat?  One who snitches or squeals after having been pinched.
I am here to inform you that is not me.  I am not a rat!
When I entered the VonHoledigger Family, there was speculation that I was a rat.   I was just a dog escaping a bad situation. Well here I am showing up at a home that the dogs are so loyal it is amazing.  They were a tough group to get involved in.

This is why there was speculation:

There is a line up of dogs with very strong titles, I might not or should not talk about this.

Sir Thomas Thornton VonHoledigger AKA "Tommy" = THE BOSS.
Birki=  The Under Boss
Freeway Frieda and Wally= The Capos
Henry=  Soldier

So, when I show up as a hobo wandering the streets, looking for approval and wanting a family.
  I get called the RAT!

I was the sixth dog to enter the establishment and I think I will always be an associate.

Well, Freddie Mercury shows up and Ms. Davis is convinced he is the FBI, deal Lord are these people all crazy?

Needless to say Vinnie and Danny show up and they bounce right up to Soldiers.

I bet it’s because I am tall and black, that I stay as an Associate?  That makes sense because Barney is an associate even though he thinks he's The Boss!

Bogey and Putter might just want to forget about being anything else then an associate!


Thank you Michael Manager for always making me feel special, or NOT!

-Georgie Lee