Chinese Horoscope For Dogs: Forecast for 2008, The Year of Rat

2007 was a year of many highs and lows, while more owners went “green” by adopting dogs from shelters instead of buying them from pet stores/puppymill, others didn’t invest the time to train the new puppies gave them up and left them in garbage bins.

2008 the year of Rat is going to be an easier year for many. It will be a smoother year marked with variety events (i.e. more animal activists preaching recycling pets and animal cruelty) and good relationships (i.e. dog bloggers posting more tips and giving advices for dog owners).

Although the year may take off at a slow rate initially as 2008 shakes off the residual shadow of a calamitous 2007, but it will be a year filled with vibrancy and energy.

Also, 2008 will be a better year in terms of matchability and wealth luck for those dogs born in the years of Rat and Rabbit.

And those in sales (i.e. dog models) and people-oriented (i.e. therapy and companion dogs) jobs will have a golden year as 2008 will be a fantastic year to network (expand your own circle of breed).

Dog owners who are in the industries can latch onto this positive vibe is property (i.e. build more practical and fashionable doghouses), hospitality (i.e. train more companion dogs to become part-time therapy dogs), tourism (i.e. professional breeders breed better pedigree dogs), and entertainment (groom and train more show dogs, models, and movie dog stars).

In addition, events/happenings will govern in 2008, with more traveling either for business (dog showing in other county or seizing drugs and pirates goods) or vacation (relaxing with owners in cruises or hiking scenic mountains). Many dog owners will be migrating, relocating, or even moving actively about within their own country. This is the time to put on your best self-forward otherwise your master may leave you behind.

If you venture to a new dog park or relocate to a new doggy daycare or a new home, remember to be mindful and sensitive to the local regulations and try to blend in with the groupies; nonetheless retain your true identity—do not lower your rank if you’ve strong Alpha nature. Canines are generally territorial if there’s an increase in newcomers, hostility will arise. Therefore, it’s best to avoid inappropriate behavior (“greeting” females when there are dominating males in the surrounding) and insensitive investigation and marking otherwise these may spark off conflicts. Be street smart and be watchful of your surroundings and potential rivals.

However, as both Earth and Water (conflicting elements) are present in the New Year there would be more natural disasters. These conflicting elements may also bring about the onset of floods and water related disasters with earth involved, such as landslides, or underground water overflow. So avoid housing in these areas or shift your sleeping quarter to higher ground and avoid swimming in the unfamiliar lake.

Since the Rat year begins a new cycle, decisions made throughout this year will carry long term consequences. Do not implement or change plan (i.e. breeding) without careful preparation especially during the beginning of the year.

Keynotes to Owners:

Career: Even as companion dogs, their role is as significant if not more than those with jobs. Sledge dogs, military dogs, police dogs, show dogs, dog models, rescue dogs, therapy dogs, service dogs, detection dogs, livestock guardians to name a few. In another words, all dogs (including stray dogs) are destined to have career.

Wealth: With careers, comes wealth. And since dogs cannot be legally employed and draw an income, nonetheless they will be “paid” via various means such as treats, toys, outdoor activities, spa treatments.

Financial Investment: From the dog’s perspective, their basic necessities (treats, toy, playtime, nap) are their financial investment.

Read on to see what good fortunes the year of the Rat has installed for you and your owner.

• Rat: 1996, 2008
• Ox: 1985, 1997
• Tiger: 1986, 1998
• Rabbit: 1987, 1999
• Dragon: 1988, 2000
• Snake: 1989, 2001
• Horse: 1990, 2002
• Goat: 1991, 2003
• Monkey: 1992, 2004
• Rooster:1993, 2005
• Dog: 1994, 2006
• Pig: 1995, 2007

If you want personal analysis for your dog, please send an email to Fengshui Master Snowball for quotation.

I will be posting one to two Chinese zodiacs per day and get them all out before Lunar New Year begins on 7th February, 2008