This is my third A to Z Challenge and I’m getting excited about it! A nasty bout of pneumonia earlier this year had me worried that I couldn’t compete, but, here we are. Why don’t you join us? Find me at link #26. Clicking on the badge takes you to the Theme Reveal sign-up sheet (closes at 11:59 pm EDT, Mar. 21) at the Blogging from A to Z website. It’s a social event, so please visit as many participants as you can, add comments and share on your various networks. Enjoy!
The two previous themes were dear to my heart; travel and language. This year’s subject is another favourite topic. Can you guess? No, it’s not music – maybe next time. So, what’s left?
Pretty obvious, yes?
My theme for the April A to Z Blogging Challenge of 2016 is…….
~~~~~drumroll~~~~~
*** DOG BREEDS & ANECDOTES ***
THE GREAT THEME REVEAL OF 2016! #AtoZChallenge #AtoZReveal Share on X#AtoZChallenge #AtoZReveal Check out my theme. What’s yours?[/tweetthis]
I’ve had dogs most of my life and started a pet sitting business in 1994, after being “downsized” (a nicer way of saying “fired”) from my corporate job. We were apartment dwellers at the time, so it was mostly house calls for cats, plants, birds, fish etc., plus dog walking all over town. After about 10 years, the running around 7 days a week with no time to myself was wearing on me, so I switched to dog boarding only. (We had become home owners in the meantime and have a large back yard.) This has worked out well and my house is like a little “doggie commune”.
I’ll be writing about various breeds of dogs from A to Z, plus sharing some anecdotes of the dogs in my life.
Need some tips and insights from an A to Z veteran? Read THIS.
So, what do you think?
Interesting? Boring? Not Sure?
Looking forward to your comments!
All posts are scheduled to go live at 12:05 a.m. (00:05) Eastern Time. [Toronto]
The Doglady’s Den is written in Canadian English
(“Doglady” is purposely one word – creative licence)
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Dog Mom and (retired) Canine Innkeeper in suburban Toronto, Canada, known as The Doglady. Former corporate workaholic. Writer, photographer, digital creator. Animal lover, music fanatic, inveterate traveller. Eternal hippie/rockchick. History, literature and cinema buff. Hockey and soccer fan. Dedicated night owl. German/Canadian binational, multilingual. Let me entertain you!
107 thoughts on “THE GREAT THEME REVEAL OF 2016! #AtoZChallenge #AtoZReveal”
So finally you are in 🙂 with your theme reveal. Curious on anecdotes. Good luck.
“Finally”, Ajay? This was published 10 days ago! Perhaps you mean you are finally reading it? 😉 I have many anecdotes about dogs, spread over dozens of years. Thanks for dropping in. Cheers!
Signing up late this year so excuse the tardy comment! Great to see so many blogs I recognise from other A to Z years 😉
Great theme, look forward to the stories you have to tell, dog lover here, although no permanent doggy at home anymore I volunteer with Guide Dogs for the Blind here in the UK so get my doggy time with working dogs!
Mars xx
Curling Stones for Lego People
Nice to see you again, Mars. 🙂 I’m glad you like the theme. I have no dog of my own at the moment either, but the clients’ dogs are equally wonderful to have around. Good luck with the challenge!
A unique theme – look forward to reading esp the anecdotes 🙂 All the very best/
J here, stopping by from the #atozchallenge – where I am part of Arlee Bird’s A to Z Ambassador Team.
Excellent choice for an A to Z challenge theme. Good job. My theme is the craft of fiction writing. Tips, lessons, and prompts from various writing reference books. I follow it up with a sample of my work.
My letter i post mentions my main character’s Canadian Eskimo Dog. Any chance that’s one you’ll cover in April?
Your theme sounds really cool. I hope to learn about a dog breed I might adopt later this year, depending on how certain situations go.
April should be exciting. I’m looking forward to the event. Best of luck to us both on meeting our goals of posting and hopping to other blogs.
My blog has a giveaway. There’s a bonus a to z challenge each day to encourage people to visit more stops.
http://jlennidornerblog.what-are-they.com
I’ve followed your listed social media.
Thanks so much for visiting The Den, J. I’m glad you like the theme. Canadian Eskimo Dogs aren’t covered (believe it or not, I’ve never met any, but have researched the breed.) Which type of dog were you thinking of adopting? I’d be happy to share any knowledge with you. This will be my third A to Z challenge and I hope to get my posts finished before it starts. Life keeps getting in the way, but it will all work out in the end. Although basically a non-fiction writer, I have dabbled in fiction as well and look forward to reading your tips. Thanks also for the social follows. I’ll be sure and do the same. Here’s to a fun and successful April. Cheers!
Ah well, they are rare.
I’m not sure. Leaning toward an Akita or a Rottweiler/ Golden Retriever mix.
This sounds like fun, I can’t wait! Best of luck throughout the challenge!
@ScarlettBraden from
Chica In Cuenca
I only know few breeds of dogs. So your A to Z posts would be insightful for someone like me . Thanks so much Deb!
Welcome to The Den, Stephen. 🙂 I’ll only be showcasing one breed per letter, (and a couple of posts aren’t breed-specific) so it’s not a complete list. Hopefully, you’ll enjoy the posts anyway. Thanks for visiting and good luck with the challenge!
As a member of the dog people tribe, I’m really looking forward to following your entries.
I appreciate that, Suzanne. 🙂 Thanks for coming by to check out my theme. Cheers!
Your theme sounds interesting to me, and I’m not what you would call a dog person. 🙂
If non-dog people are interested, that’s a good sign. 🙂 Thanks for dropping in and good luck with the challenge!
Debbie, I think your theme is a perfect fit for your blog and a way to help others to not only know you better, but the pets you keep. Don’t forget to include lots and lots of amazing photos! As much as I love cats I have an incredible deep fondest for dogs. One day I hope to have both kinds of pets, but outdoors only. This will be an interesting and fun theme to read throughout the A2Z challenge next month.
Hi, Cathy. it was an obvious choice, but I previously avoided it for that reason. For me, dogs are part of the family and I even go as far as sharing the bed with them. Sometimes we have to fight for space! 🙂 I like cats too and used to take care of them in their own homes as part of my pet sitting business. Thanks for coming by and good luck with the challenge!
Super excited to read your posts! There are so many wonderful dogs out there. If I ever get another pup I’m really leaning towards the Frenchies. I just think they have such personality.. 🙂 For the moment I am quite happily in love with my lit’l mix of a pup Luci. See you at the A to Z!
Cool! I’m glad you like the theme. I looked after a French bulldog once and she was “Miss Personality Plus”. Nice dogs. I’m glad Luci is doing well. Thanks for dropping in and good luck with the challenge!
How sweet!! And definitely one of its kind Debbie.. Waiting to read each one of your posts.. All the best with your challenge.
Thank you, Ramya. 🙂 This one’s a natural! I loved your theme about India.
I can just imagine how much fun this theme is going to be for you, Debbie! I am definitely looking forward to your April posts – but then it is always a pleasure to read your writing. Love and hugs!
Yes, this one’s a natural, Vidya.:) I’m glad you like it and thanks for the compliment. I aim to entertain. Good luck with the challenge. You’re going to be hopping, with 4 blogs. Hugs back!
Now that this will be perfect for you..straight from the expert is what every post is going to be ? All the beet Debbie 🙂
It is somewhat natural, for sure. 🙂 Thanks for visiting and good luck with the challenge!
I remember visiting your blog through last year’s challenge, good to re-connect this year! Great choice of theme 🙂
Debbie
Nice to see you again, Debbie! 🙂 I’m glad you like the theme. This is my third year with the A-Z. It’s always difficult to pick something that will hold people’s interest. Thanks for dropping in and good luck with the challenge!
I enjoy your writing – I’m in! I am not a dog lover (boo, hiss….) maybe I can blog some about my childhood in a NYC housing project, which may explain some of it. But I know so many people who do love dogs, and I’m sure I’ll be sharing many of your stories.
Sounds like you may have had some bad experiences with dogs. I’m glad you’re still interested regardless and thanks for the compliment! 🙂 I strive to be entertaining. Good luck with the challenge.
Hope you will be writing about The King Charles Cavalier Spaniels. Good luck with new readership and an interesting month of April.
Welcome to The Den, Stepheny. 🙂 I was going to talk about Cavaliers initially but changed it. One of my regular clients has one; a sweet little girl named “Izzie”. Thanks for visiting and best wishes for the challenge.
I LOVE LOVE LOVE this theme!!! I can’t wait to read all about the breeds and your experiences. You know I’ll be able to relate! It’s Spring Break here so it’s a bit crazy this month. Lol.
Excellent theme Debbie. Really looking forward to it!!
PS: Loved the dog song and the video. CUTE!! 🙂
Michele at Angels Bark
I thought you might enjoy this theme, Michele. 🙂 March is always crazy season here too. Last week was the public school break, but private schools get two weeks. I know all about it! Fun song, isn’t it? The artwork fits perfectly.
Awww DOGS. I love dogs. Great theme! I can’t wait to read.
I’m glad you like this theme, Stephanie. 🙂 Thanks for visiting!
Dog breeds! I love the idea, and I am looking forward to learning about some that I am less familiar with. In my experience, breeds all have their own quirks and personalities… 🙂 My pup is an Old English Sheepdog!
See you in April!
@TarkabarkaHolgy from
The Multicolored Diary
MopDog
Great! This seems to be a popular theme, judging by the comments. There will be a Hungarian breed included. 🙂
Old English Sheepdog too, although I haven’t met too many of them. Thanks for visiting.
I will look forward to reading these posts each and every day!
Welcome to The Den, Molly. 🙂 I’m glad you like the theme. Yours is fascinating! Good luck with the challenge.
Excellent theme! I was hoping you’d post something like this at some point, given the adventures I have with my two girls, I’m sure I’ll find this helpful, fun and fascinating!
Thanks, Diedre. The posts will be fairly short, but I hope to make them entertaining. Be sure to check out “L”, especially. 🙂
Awesome!! I love it!! I am actually doing the A to Z challenge on different frog species! Can’t wait to read your posts in April!
Welcome to The Den, Allyse. 🙂 I’ve never met a Frog Lady before. Sounds fascinating! Thanks for dropping in and good luck with the challenge.
I always enjoy your themes, and I know I’ll love this one!
Thank you, C. Lee. I try to make them entertaining. 🙂 Good luck with the challenge.
Love it! I watch Too Cute! all the time. Can’t get enough of the sweethearts! Cheers me up after watching the horror of the Animal Cop shows.
I’m looking forward to learning something new!
I’m glad you like the theme, Yolanda. 🙂 After 22 years, there are so many photos and stories to go with them. Thanks for dropping in. Enjoy the challenge!
Dog breeds! I so want to know and learn about them and looks like I don’t have to worry about it now.. For I got you 🙂
Wonderful theme Debbie..
All the best 🙂
Cheers
When it comes to dogs, I’m a font of knowledge, Geets, having been around them all of my life. 🙂 Thanks for dropping in and good luck with the challenge.
Ah ! Finally managed to find your theme reveal. Why and I not surprised with your theme? I love dogs too and look forward to your tales of tails
I thought this would be a fitting theme and am glad you like it. 🙂 Thanks for visiting.
How cute and adorable. What a fantastic theme Debbie! See you around.
I’m glad you like the theme, Parul. Thanks for checking it out. Enjoy the challenge! 🙂
oH YES, PLEASE! I am definitely following all of this 🙂
Dogs ftw! Can’t wait for this series.
Nice to see another dog lover! 🙂 This topic was natural for me. Thanks for dropping in and good luck with the challenge. Cheers!
Looks like it’ll be a fun thirty days! I look forward to hearing about it.
John Holton
Blogging from A to Z Challenge Co-Host
The Sound of One Hand Typing
Thank you, John. 🙂 I’m hoping all will go well. Happy A to Z-ing!
I love your theme, Debbie. Looking forward to read your dog tales and anecdotes this April. Cheer!
I’m glad you like it, Shilpa. Seemed like a natural choice. 🙂 Thanks for dropping in and good luck with the challenge.
That’s a cute one! Good Luck for April!
I have volumes of photos and 20 years of stories, so it was a natural choice, NIbha. 🙂 Thanks for dropping in.
Looking forward to them 🙂
A very apt choice of theme! Of immense value to dog lovers and owners, and generally people with an interest in animals. Good luck with the A-Z,
Best wishes,
Nilanjana.
It seemed like a natural choice, Nilanjana. 🙂 Thanks for visiting and good luck wtih the challenge.
I’m not what you would call a dog person. Well, what I mean is, I don’t think I’d ever want to own one. But I like dogs. They are great to visit when I’m at a friend or family member who has one. They are great to play with and pet. But for me, they are also great to leave behind, LOL
I love your theme and am looking forward to it. I especially love dog antic stories. They all have such unique personalities.
That’s the best of both worlds, Jeffrey. Similar to my situation and the clients’ dogs. I get the love and affection, without any of the food and vet bills and then they go home. 🙂 LIke humans, all dogs have unique personalities and quirks. I’m glad you like the theme. Good luck with the challenge!
We lost our dog almost 2 years ago (miss her like crazy!) and I’m looking forward to following along!
My sympathies, Stephanie. ♥ That’s the sad part of having dogs; they never live long enough. I’ll be talking about my three “late greats” as well as past and present clients’ dogs. Thanks for your interest and good luck with the challenge.
Hi, Debbie the Doglady!
You picked an excellent theme for A to Z. You can’t go wrong discussing dogs. I look forward to learning about the characteristics and behavior of different breeds and reading stories about dogs you have owned and/or boarded over the years. I very much enjoyed “The Dog Song” and the illustrations used in the video. How true it is. Dogs offer friendship with no strings attached. They never let you down because they don’t know how. Dogs are wind-up dolls that keep on giving you attention and affection all their lives. I miss my Toto.
I look forward to your series, dear friend Debbie. Have a great week!
I’m glad you like the theme, Shady. Best to go with a subject one knows well, yes? 🙂 The posts won’t be overly long, as I’ve yet to write most of them and time is running out. Dogs are such perfect creatures, aren’t they? I sympathize about Toto. Our Tasha died in 2007 (see “D is for Dalmatian”) and it left a huge hole in my heart. I still mourn, even though she had a good, long life. Thanks for dropping in twice today. You have a great week also!
Cool topic! I had never heard of an Akita before my grandparents adopted one, and that was great fun to learn more about. This should be a cool topic.
I’m glad you like the theme, Jamie. Thanks for dropping in and good luck with the challenge. 🙂
Sounds fun! I love dogs and have done some “sitting” of my own. And high-five, fellow third-timer! 🙂
Welcome to The Den, dSavannah. I’m glad you like the theme. High-fives all around. 🙂
Oh I am going to love this theme since I love dogs and hope the black lab is part of this since I am partial to black labs:)
Hi, Birgit! I’m glad you like the theme. Black Labs are among my favourites too and I’d love to have one of my own, but am content with clients’ dogs for now. Be sure to drop by when it’s time for the “L” post. 🙂
I will visit your blog everyday in April, all though I’m terrified of dogs hides face
Puppies loo cute though. AND even those small little chihuahuas. And I like Beagles!
I hope I haven’t revealed letters B and C of your list hides face again
All the best for the challenge 🙂
I won’t hold you to daily visits, Mithila, but thanks for your enthusiasm. 🙂 Did you have a bad experience with a dog? Beagles and Chihuahuas are adorable, but no worries, I have chosen different ones for B and C. Thanks for dropping in and good luck with the challenge.
Dogs, yay! I look forward to your insights and anecdotes. I have to admit we have cats, but dogs are wonderful too. I miss my parents’ dog who passed away last year – he was such a sweetie.
Tasha
Tasha’s Thinkings | Wittegen Press | FB3X (AC)
Nice to see you again, Tasha. 🙂 Cats are easier to take care of than dogs. All pets are wonderful. Thanks for dropping in and good luck with the challenge!
Yayy! This is lovely! Will be sharing your posts on the lovely canines with the kids! Looking forward to April!
Nice to see such enthusiasm for the subject. 🙂 Thanks, Kala.
sounds like fun – you certainly have an affinity for dogs (they were EVERYWHERE in those pictures) so I know it will be fun to read your challenge.
Welcome to The Den, Leanne! 🙂 Dogs are a huge part of my life, so what better subject, yes? Thanks for dropping in and good luck with the challenge.
Being a dog lover, I’m going to enjoy your blog through April!
Thank you, Damyanti. I’m enjoying putting these posts together, but running way behind, as usual. 😛 Good luck with the challenge!
How wonderful. Looking forward to this, Debbie!
Thank you, Corinne. 🙂 I’ve known several Boxers but chose a different breed for the “B” post. Sorry, Pablo.
My dog is named Shadow. We eagerly await your post. Shadow is an Australian Shepherd.
I’ve known several Australian Shepherds. 🙂 They’re smart, beautiful dogs, but I’m only doing one breed per post and chose a different one for “A”. Sorry about that. Trying to keep my entries short – 26 is a lot!
I guess I’ll say this so no one else has to: Your blog is going to the dogs!
I should do a theme on Birds next time.
Arlee Bird
A to Z Challenge Co-host
Tossing It Out
Hahaha! Somebody had to say it. 🙂 Dogs are a subject I know a lot about, so it was a natural. Thanks, Lee.
Fun Theme! And a catchy doggie tune to go along with it. Looking forward to your posts.
I’m glad you like the theme, Mary. Thanks for dropping in and good luck with the challange! 🙂
I am not really a fan of dogs but I hope your posts will change that… Looking forward to your posts Debbie 🙂
Dogs are wonderful, Archana. 🙂 Full of unconditional love and empathy. Thanks for dropping in and good look with the challenge!
Debbie! I love your theme!! I am sure it is going to be super fun. All the best for the challenge. It is good to know you are doing well and have got your health back. Best wishes. I have decided to do fiction of 100 words. 😀
Thanks, Inderpreet. 🙂 Yes, I’m back to my old self, thank goodness. Your theme sounds interesting and I’ll be sure to visit. Cheers!
Try as I might, I cannot imagine what your theme will be! But you know I will be following you.
It’s right there in the post, Carol. Didn’t you read it?
OH MY GOODNESS Debbie — I was KIDDING. I thought I was being obvious LOL
Sorry, I didn’t catch the inflection. 🙂 Hard to tell with the written word and it’s late at night. I’m too literal, I guess. (Typical German trait BTW). A wink or a smile might have clued me in.
Definitely interesting! Would love to read your posts, Debbie! Yay, let’s have a roccking April.
*Something’s Cooking is also signed up for #AtoZ*
Thanks, Shalini. I’ll be sure to check yours out, as well. 🙂 Good luck with the challenge.
This would be very insightful theme for me. Love it.. will wait for the music theme too.
Thanks, Lata. 🙂 Nice to see so much interest in the dog theme.