George ?- 2016

George ?-2016

With us since 2006

Tonight we are grieving for our George Lee aka "Georgie"

Georgie was a fighter until the end.  He did not want to give up on life, in his later years he only would walk with three legs.  He was very special and soulful.  We were all with him as he passed on.  The other boys are lying quietly.    Underneath the pictures you will see the blog posting about George.

Tonight he is fighting with Freeway Freida for food!

My name is George Lee, one evening I stumbled upon this house with dogs.  I was tired, dehydrated and weak.   I found the porch and stayed there.  This man opened the door brought me out a dog bed, food, toys and water. I was in heaven.  Early in the morning it started to rain this nice man came and got me.  He brought me inside and the lady gave me a bath.  I now call them mom and dad and I am the happiest I ever been.  At first there was a bunch of talk about me.  People thought that the VonHolediggers were related to the doggy mafia and I was the spy.  Manager Michael would always call me an effin  rat!  I did not appreciate any of this nonsense.  I am loyal to my family and I am a real good, loving boy.

How could the parents of National Dog Day, not know it was today?
I guess the reason is because the VonHoledigger's are a bunch of self absorbed idiots that take all of our time and we love it...
We love how Wally is bored by all of us, Henry has a constant back itch and gyrates in the chair, three legged George acts like he can't move until he is loose in the front yard and runs through the neighborhood, Danny stealing laundry,  Barney charging cats and getting his head caught in the fence while Johnny escapes the fence to chase three legged George.  In the meantime you have Vinnie attacking Freddie Mercury while he is eating Vinnie's food and everyone else's.
So to our children we are sorry we forgot National Dog Day but you do keep us very busy and we love each and everyone of you very much!

                      Freeway Freida Marie

                                         2002-2015

Our sweet girl

Hated her picture taken.

Guarding her food against George

Tonight our heart is heavy with sadness.  We lost our little girl, Freeway Freida Marie.  Frieda came into our lives with a will to live and fire in her belly.  James found her on the Freeway.  He was going to work one day and called home all upset about a little dog against the wall in downtown Detroit.  She appeared to be road kill.  The next day going to work he noticed her eyes wide open.  He got off the expressway went back around and ran through traffic.  Four lanes of traffic.  In a narrow spot she was.  He scooped her up and ran back through traffic and took her home.  She was so weak she couldn't stand.  Once she was well she took charge of the house.
She controlled the boys.  She killed a rat and let Birki take credit by letting him prance around with it, she would guard any food bowl you put in front of her, let's be honest she helped us raise this motley crew we call the VonHolediggers.  She would mother them all.  Every new dog,  she took an interest and washed and loved them.
She was well traveled.   She swam in the Gulf of Mexico, Atlantic and Pacific Ocean.  Plus, the great lakes.  She visited 28 states.  Her favorite was Honeymoon Island in Dunedin, Florida where she would swim with her true love Birki.
Her loyalty to her family was like none other.  She never had to be on a leash because she was so thankful to be with us.  Tonight we are grieving a girl we loved so much but most of all are more thankful she was in our lives.  She was Freeway Freida Marie from Detroit City!

In the beginning stages of  the VonHolediggers there was the "Fab Four".
In the picture is Wally, Birki, Freida, and Sir Thomas Thorton aka "Tommy".
They loved to swim at Honeymoon Island but after they all received a bath.

Christmas 2004

Christmas the dog that saved us...

Christmas in culvert

Last Labor Day our friends went to New Jersey to celebrate a wedding.  They asked if we could watch their 15 year old black lab, named Christmas?  Of course we would, even though the younger dogs are neurotic and could not be around him.  They thought he was threatening, whatever!  He was a gentle giant full of love and kindness.  I kind of had a crush on him.  When he arrived daddy made us trout with our dog food.  It was so wonderful.  We spent time lying in the sun and relaxing.
Then tragedy approached.  In the early morning hours daddy and Christmas went out to tinkle.  It was a foggy, rainy morning.  Just awful, the rain was coming down so hard.  Christmas disappeared.  We thought for sure he would be back at any moment.  However, that day became night. The parents searched, made signs, went to neighbors, the animal control, etc.  There was not a trace...
The next day became the next night and then it became three nights.  The parents did not want to ruin our friends celebration in New Jersey but realized they had to share that Christmas was gone.
They understood he was old and would wander off.  They were not mad but just expressed we only wished we saw him one last time to say goodbye.  Heartbreaking.
To make a long story short.  Mom took the Springer Collection out on a Saturday morning and heard a faint bark.  She heard it again...

Daddy digging for Christmas

She brought the misfits  in to get daddy.  It was six-thirty in the morning.  Now, you must remember every time we heard a horn honk, a dog bark, the wind blow a funny noise.  Daddy was on alert and in the car to look for Christmas.  This was day number four and the chances of Christmas coming back were next to nothing.

Christmas resting

Daddy came out and he heard it too.  He went to the edge of the driveway and said it is real,  there is a faint bark in the culvert under the road. Mom brought dad a flashlight he looked and said I see nothing over here, lets go across the street.  Now the brush is over ten feet and the bank drops to a steep hill.  Daddy went in and said it's CHRISTMAS AND HE'S ALIVE!
They started digging and digging, they took turns because of the hill, all of the dirt was washed down to the end of the culvert.  Finally, with much soil moved they pulled him out, he was weak.  However, he was able to go home to his family.  Christmas has since passed on, he was there to say his goodbyes to his beloved family.
What he taught all of us is plenty.  When times are hard and you feel like giving up just push forward, it will all work out in the end.  Days we feel so overwhelmed we just look at Christmas and how he fought at an old age to see his family, living under a road scared and alone.  He knew there was something worth living for.
With that being said we can all endure...If Christmas can make it, so can we.  We now find ourselves in hard times saying: What would Christmas do?
-Freeway Freida Marie

RIP BOGEY

RIP BOGEY

02/14/2001-02/12/2014

Tonight you are hiking with Poppa Bear and snuggling with Momma Bear.  We love you and will miss you!

Johnny the good boy!

 

This year the VonHoledigger family decided to do something different. We knew if we hung up the traditional ornaments that came from love ones, present and past. That baby Johnny would pluck them off the tree like dog candy. So, we hung up cards of love and well wishes from near and far. Needless, to say Wally got caught up in the string of lights and took the tree for a walk through the living room, Frieda buried her food in the far back corner, George broke enough branches off the bottom to get to his new drinking bowl (the stand) and Putter thought it was a scratching post. The only one who did not do anything to the tree was Johnny! Lesson learned: Never to make assumptions!

Henry Banned from Walmart...

Henry Banned from Walmart...

Daddy took Henry, Danny and myself to Walmart this morning. It was cooler temperatures so we could finally go for a ride.

It was all going fine until Henry, who is on the smaller side, launched out the window while daddy was driving and ran into Walmart.

By the time dad stopped the card and went in to get him, there was three Walmart employees gathering up Henry. The one man accused dad of dumping us. Daddy said no I am not dumping my dogs!  He jumped out the window,  he's excited to be here.

With all that being said dad is embarrassed, mom is mad because her children were not safe, and Henry is still excited he activated the Walmart doors.

Another day at the VonHoledigger House, life is good!

-George

  

VonHolediggers go to the mall...

Henry Thomas

Danny Nelson

Vinnie told me it was my time to write a post, the reason I usually don't is because of pure emarrassment of this motley group.
Let me explain how this went down.  Mom went to work and dad took us.  I am going to explain how everyone acted.
George goes strutting in and heads to the Sears for a new suit.  He thinks he is Liberace with all his chains and he needs  new duds to impress the young male puppies.  There is not much more I can say.
Freeway Freida Marie goes to Fredricks of Hollywood.  She dresses like a slut, she still thinks she is in her twenties and wears her clothes way to tight. Even her paws hang over the toes of her heels, come on get a size bigger.
Vinnie thinks he is important and looks for anyone who recognizes him.  Being president of the dog world is so yesterday.
Freddie is so lazy he just stays in the food court.
Wally is so busy chasing tail like is some retired rock star.
Bogey and Putter act like they are better then everyone because they come from some well to do County in Michigan. Hate to tell the little brats with bad haircuts they are not there anymore.
Johnny is such an idiot he has to go to the toy store and break everything in sight because he is such a spaz.
Barney finds the mall cop and tells him he is the VonHoledigger security and proceeds to ask the guy where he gets his uniform.
Come on all ready.  How ridiculous can you be.
Danny was actually kind of cool this trip.  The two of us went to the Ralph Lauren store and bought some polo's and chino shorts.  Have to keep up the image.  After we finished we were out of there and went and sat in the car until the fools were done.
When we got home I had to take a pain pill because my head was killing me.  I should of gotten into Wally's stash.
  -Henry Thomas

Detroit the city that defines me...

Detroit the city that defines me...
As you all know by now my name is Wally and as Dr. Platz says I am a Detroit Special.
 I was discovered in Detroit and will always be a Detroiter.
  Detroit has been taking a bit of a black eye in the media right now and I want you to all take
the time to support the City that I love. 
I have asked my mom some questions and memories to share what a special place
Detroit really is.  SO here we go...

My mom grew up in Birmingham Michigan which is a suburb of Detroit, she moved there when she was 14 years old.  She lived there until she was 29 and married daddy who had a house on the Eastside of Detroit.  She said it was a beautiful home with a slate roof, marble fireplace and a separate garage that at one time the upper level of the garage was a chicken coop.  She mentions this to show the beautiful homes Detroit has with wonderful people she has met.

She has so many wonderful memories:  She shared once when going to  a Detroit Red Wings game and leaving Joe Louis Arena, it was a decent walk to the parking garage.  She explained that the next day was her birthday (maybe her 19th) and her brother started singing Happy Birthday to her and before you know it, hundreds of people were singing with him  to her.  She says there is a spirit to Detroit that is untouchable and at that moment she realized it!

She shares that there is nothing more wonderful then going to a Detroit Tiger's game and seeing the skyline.  The excitement is awesome. The sounds, smells and feeling is like a hug.

One of her favorites is going to Easter Market on a Saturday morning.  Spending the morning with good friends and starting it all out at Vivio's for a bloody Mary.  Talking about the night before and what we are looking to buy after several tasty drinks...

Fox Theatre she says is another hidden gem where she would see so many amazing performances.  The Nutcracker at Christmas topping the list.

She reminded me about the St. Patrick's Day Parade in Corktown, always the Sunday before St. Patrick's Day and bringing Tommy. Sharing that she was there with daddy and Ms. Davis.   Well they spent a bit too much time and the gates locked. 
SO here they are all having a good time when they realized the only way out was through the bar. Oh, I forgot to mention they were at Nemo's.  Well at this time Tommy had his arms around mommy's neck with Ms. Davis yelling dog emergency and they weaved their way around hundreds of people.  Allowing them to go first because of Tommy.  Again, it's that Detroit Spirit!

Mom loves the fact that in Detroit you can look across the Detroit River over into Canada.  She said when she was younger that she use to love to go over to Canada because the legal drinking age was 19.  She says she does not condone her young behavior but simply sharing her story with me now that I am a bit older.  She said it was some fun times coming home and singing and honking your horn through the tunnel that goes under the Detroit River and connects Canada with the US.
 
Lafayette or American?  Now a Detroiter would get this.  Hotdogs and Chili fries.  Nothing better.

Taking us to Belle Isle where I always got in trouble.  I am sorry I am not a fan of geese.

Greektown, Hamtramck for Paczki Day, Tom's Oyster Bar, and Pewabic Pottery are some of her favorites...

Music like no other, I am leaving a website on the bottom of this page for you to read. Some of the best music has come from Detroit.  So many good memories mom says.  She told about going to the Rolling Stones at Ford Field with Daddy and Ms. Davis, I believe they were third row.  Awesome!  Speaking of Ford Field home of the Detroit Lions, how we love them!

The love of cars and the auto industry.  What provided a job for most families and directly effecting our own from the sadness of the economy. 
People ask if we have so many nice things to say about Detroit, why did we ditch it?  Like mommy says she would of never left Detroit if her parents were still alive.  She said traveling the Country and moving to a new area with daddy was like her going away to college and seeing the Country.  She feels a sadness from lost and realizes sometimes you can't go back only move forward...
She also says Detroit helped build her.  Mom says she might be crazy but she is loyal.  She was taught hard work and how to appreciate all walks of lives and ethnicity's.  Just like Detroit!


-Wally

P.S. We only wrote about the great things within the City of Detroit, leaving the suburbs outs.  The suburbs only add to the greatness.  Also, there is so much more to share, maybe you can join Wally and share your favorite things about Detroit!
http://www.madeindetroit.com/
http://www.puredetroit.com/
http://www.everythingdetroitstore.com/
http://ViviosBloodyMary.com
http://www.detroitstpatricksparade.com/index.html
http://www.nemosdetroit.com/
http://www.americanconeyisland.com/home.htm
http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/offbeat/130719/27-detroit-based-musicians-who-kicked-out-the-jams
http://www.tomsoysterbar.com/
http://www.pewabic.org/

Wagon Wheel, great song!

 I realize I have been slacking lately as the President of the dog world and I have not  been keeping up with my  VonHoledigger duties.  But what can  I say:  I am exhausted and have become FAT as President of the Dog World.  I want done of this duty!  My mom however told me that there is not a re-election for a bit so I am stuck with the mundane task of keeping every dog happy.  Boring...
 As the President of the Dog World,  I am sick of posing for pictures, kissing puppies ( even though I want to tear them apart) and constantly being clean.  I am over it!
I have been listening to a lot of music to try to keep my mind off the trivial junk, that  I have to listen too.  I have found a little song I want you to hear, Wagon Wheel.

Wagon Wheel is a song originally sketched by Bob Dylan and later completed by Ketch Secor of Old Crow Medicine Show.   
The song describes a hitchhiking journey south along the eastern coast of the United States, from New England in the northeast, through Roanoke, Virginia with the intended destination of Raleigh, North Carolina, where the protagonist hopes to see his lover. Along the way, he shares a smoke with a trucker who is traveling from Philadelphia through Virginia westward toward the Cumberland Gap and Johnson City, Tennessee.

I wish I could be that free but I can't because I am President Vinnie Laine VonHoledigger and I need to listen to the canines.  For now I will be thankful I was voted for by the people.  However, when re-election comes.  I am buying a Sprinter Van and travelling.  I am the Wagon Wheel!

-President Vinnie

Thank you Wikepedia for all of the information. -Vinnie

David J. Warsen the VonHolediggers Thank You!

7/1/85 - 8/16/12

Navy Special Warfare Operator 2nd Class David J. Warsen
Died August 16, 2012 Serving During Operation Enduring Freedom

The VonHoledigger’s thank you!

We love you and thank you for protecting this beautiful Country of ours…

Also, we thank all of the men, woman and service dogs who protect us daily!

-The VonHolediggers

What Plants Would The VonHolediggers Be?

President Vinnie trying to explain why he dug up plants?

Once again it appears I will be posting.  Due to the fact that I live with a bunch of lazy, no good schmucks.  I asked Henry today if he wanted to make the posting.  He just lifted his lip and went back to nap land.  Lazy!
This weeks topic is:  What kind of plant would the VonHolediggers be?

Freeway Freida:  Jasmine, she smells like a street whore, before she even gets close to you!
Wally:  Cannabis, I am sorry if I offend some.  But, my heavens he is always stoned!
Henry:  Japanese Maple.  The only reason is he dug up a newly planted, expensive tree when he was a puppy and ran through the yard.  Giving daddy fits of rage!
George:  Weeping Willow.  He is graceful and willow like.  He’s just not normal!
Freddie Mercury:  He’s a big old Globe Arborvitae.  Nice and round!
Vinnie:  Blue Spruce, because it’s one of moms favorites.  Plus, I am strong like a spruce!
Danny:  Morning Glory, he loves the morning.  He is such a sweet little guy!
Barney:  Hicks Yew.  The name says it all.  He would Tweet his name as Hix U, what a redneck!
Bogey:  He is a solid Oak tree.  Sturdy and Strong.  Very sophisticated!
Putter: Cleome, the annual that stinks to high heaven, that’s him.  Smelly!
Johnny:  Dandelion.  Because he is an annoying weed.  Mommy reminds me  a weed is just a plant out of place.  Well this guy is out of place!

I think we make a beautiful garden when we are all together.  Even though George is odd  and I do love my little Johnny.  I just wish he would stay out of my pool!

-President Vinnie Laine

The following is the best song ever.  Sugar Magnolia, enjoy!

What would the VonHolediggers dress like?

The next topic in the series of many to come, is what would the VonHolediggers dress like if they wore human clothes?
Of, course being the President of the dog world.  You will always see me in a tie.  I can’t help it.  It’s formal.

So here we go.

Freeway Freida:  Daisy Dukes and some kind of tight slutty tank top, that she is too old to wear.  Probably from biker week at Sturgis!
Wally:  Frenchy’s t-shirt and swim trunks.
Henry:  Ralph Lauren Polo and madras shorts.
George:  This is hard, he is a cross dresser!
Freddie Mercury:  Tight NASCAR t-shirt and Denim shorts, with his gut hanging out!
Danny:  Hand-me downs from Vinnie and Henry!
Barney:  Security Uniform he ordered off of EBay, because he’s not the real thing.
Bogey:  Suit and Bow tie.
Putter:  He’s a nudist!
Johnny:  Justin Bieber Concert t-shirt and skinny jeans.

Once, again it’s obvious I am dealing with a bunch of misfits!

-President Vinnie Laine

VonHoledigger's Share What kind of Car They would DRIVE!

Sir Thomas Thorton in the back of mommy's Jeep!

So, I have taken  bit of a break from posting.  I just was not in the right frame of mind.  The parents have decided to take on a new, healthier lifestyle and decided they were watching too much television.  So what did they do but get rid of Comcast.  Yes, I was in pure shock.  What was life going to be with out my on demand.  I  love reality television and watched it all.  You could only imagine my disappointment.  I thought it would only last a month, but we are going on four months!
The plus side is the parents are getting healthier and we have many nights of Scrabble, pool parties, gardening, talking, and walking.  So, I guess it has been a plus.
Now, I am going to share the next crazy part of this process.  Mom and Dad were talking one night while playing Scrabble and started saying if our children could drive, what kind of car would they drive?  This is going to be a series of what we would dress like, drink, where we would live, etc.  They say we all have unique, human like personalities.  So stay tuned.

Tonight’s topic is what kind of car we would drive, so here it goes:

Freeway Freida- Ford Pick-up
Wally- Jeep Wrangler
Henry- Mazda Miata Convertible
George- Mini-Van, so he could pick-up the young puppies.  PERVERT!
Freddie Mercury- El Camino
Vinnie-  Old Jeep Wagoneer, it’s mommy’s favorite with the wood sides!
Danny-  Audi TT
Barney-  Suburban with the silver bull balls hanging off the back and chrome girl mud flaps, REDNECK!
Bogey- Cadillac Coupe De Ville
Putter- Ford Fiesta
Johnny- Pacer Station Wagon with flames.
Yes, I am the first to admit our parents are eccentric but it’s always fun in the VonHoledigger house!

-President Vinnie Laine

Now, I would like to add one of the VonHoledigger's favorite songs they like to play when they are cruising!

P.S. We love you Bruce!

Wildflowers

What is the meaning of life,  it’s  a philosophical question concerning the significance of life or existence in general.

I have been pondering this question for about a week now and I think I understand what it means…

I take the meaning of life as something precious.  Someone who goes out and makes the World a better place.  As Ralph Waldo Emerson is famous for saying:

To laugh often and love much; to win the respect of intelligent persons and the affection of children; to earn the approbation of honest citizens and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to give of one’s self; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to have played and laughed with enthusiasm and sung with exultation; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived—this is to have succeeded.

My mommy was telling me she used this quote when her mom died of Ovarian Cancer.  She said it was very true to how she felt and today she says she see’s it.  My Grandmother was super smart according to mom, she was a children’s librarian.  She radiated intelligence.  She thought that kids could become whatever they wanted and teach the World. 
Mommy  says when people pass-on that  Heaven is a glorious location where there is an absence of pain, disease, sex, depression, etc. and where people live in new, spiritual bodies, in the presence of Jesus Christ.
I think I like the sounds of this.  The parents will share the bible with us:

Ephesians 2:8-10

8. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
9. Not of works, lest any man should boast.
10. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.


I believe some people will come closer to obeying God than others, but no one ever hits the bull’s eye of perfection.   I also, understand some people will have something to say about mom typing this for us because dogs don’t have value in their minds.  However, if it helps a dog lover heal, I tell the parents to print it!

-Henry Thomas

Thank you Jason Lemmons!

Barney exhausted from Johnny!

Thank you Jason!
What is he talking about I kept thinking.  I have heard this for the past week.
Finally, mommy says what are you talking about?
Daddy says I am thanking Jason for my Birkenstock shoes being chewed, not one but both.  I thanked Jason for my floor being ruined, I really feel thankful for the White Pines I just planted being taken up.
But, mostly I am thanking Jason for the blessing he gave me named Johnny!
That mutt has added constant chaos to our lives, but I must admit I like the little guy!
 -Barney
                                         

P.S.  I think part of Johnny's problem is mommy sings to him a song that makes his head big.  This is part of the lyrics I have to hear: 

His mother told him someday he would be a man And he would be the leader of a big old band Many people coming from miles around To hear him play his music when the sun go down Maybe someday your name would be in lights Saying Johnny B. Goode tonight

VonHoledigger's Want to go to Public School

Imagine the pure shock I had today when I woke up to find that the water was emptied out of my pool!  I don’t care if it’s snowing,  I need to work on my fitness.  This is nonsense.  Daddy emptied the water out yesterday and flipped my pool. 
I showed him.  I stood there and protested and tried to find that useless duck in the bottom of the pool with his goggles.

I also think it stinks that we are home schooled and we did not get a day off from school.  Daddy said class was in session like normal.  I am thinking I want to go to the Public schools and ride the bus.  I could try to be social with others.

We had an extended recess where we tore it up.  Danny walked around with his dirty pillowcase, he likes to help with laundry.  Barney and Johnny wrestled, if you noticed in the picture Barney had Johnny by his side.  Henry is such a suck-up he is eager to get back to class,  he likes learning.  Wally, George, and Freeway Freida have graduated.  Freddie Mercury is a delinquent who skips.  Bogey and Putter don’t have to go because they are also finished with their education.   I think they went to some private school in Michigan.

I believe all of my anger stems from the simple fact that I couldn’t go swimming today!

-Vinnie

*Freddie Mercury, Bogey & Putter are not in any of the pictures because they are lazy and would not go out in the snow.