Career: Avoid changing job this year. You will perform better if you stay put as you will receive generous assistance from many benefactors—there’s a possibility of multiply promotions and salary increment. Communicate more with others and be impeccable with your bark (e.g. alert owner with two courteous barks when guest arrived). Make prompt and timely decision to gain yourself a head start (e.g. if an overcast is sighted before a walk, remind owner to bring along the trench coats).

Wealth: Your wealth luck is abundant; however, you must employ consistent tactics in your dealings in order to garner more profits. Supposedly you’re affluence in flipping properties (e.g. ransack garbage food) and have made good money in doing so but this year you want to try your paws on remodeling home for profit (e.g. food in fridge). Nevertheless, you will have gains but not as much as to sticking with what works best for you in the past—garbage food may not be appealing but it satisfies your midnight hunger than trying to open the Tupperware in the fridge or cookie jar. Whichever you fancy, don’t be greedy; plenty of opportunities await you.

Romance: Love is in the air whether you are single or married. For poochelors or poochelorettes, you will find your true love this year and maybe tie the knot if your human companion have the time and space for another furball! Married canines will find many opportunities to rekindle old flames. Even though you’re blessed with love potion (i.e. more lovable or attractive), you still have work on your relationship to make it better and not take your partner for granted. You could avoid falling into temptation by opting for a fix—neutering or spraying.

Health: Although many things moving according to plans, you practically have little to no stress in life. Mental health wise this is good, however, in many occasions you tend to feel lonely—crowds or no crowds or emotionally detached (e.g. no interest in repossessing your marked territories). Your antidote is to take time off from your daily routines (e.g. fetching morning papers) and venture to new places to stimulate your senses of smell (this is vital for dogs) and sight. Change of pace and place periodically will help you socialize better.

The Dog

Feb 10 1994 ~ Jan 30 1995 (Wood)
Jan 29 2006 ~ Feb 17 2007 (Fire)
Feb 16 2018 ~ Feb 04 2019 (Earth)

2009 Bearish Markets?

As there is an absence of the fire element, financial markets are more likely to be bearish than bullish. In additional, it is best to approach any financial matter with caution nevertheless there’s still money to be made but only with patience and conservatism. For example, stocks on basic necessities (i.e. dog food, vet care) would yield better returns than stocks on luxury goods and services (i.e. dog spa resort companies).

Another example, your human companion may cut your treats budget by 50% in order to save more on emergency cases or invest in pet insurance, hopefully. Thank her or him for being thoughtful. You know too much of those treats will do you more harm than good. Instead of whining about not having enough food treats, beg your human companion to give you more massages or take you for longer walk. It’s high time to shed off those thanksgiving and Christmas calories.

More Conflicts and Tension in 2009

And with a global recession, it is without a doubt 2009 will be an intense year filled with trials and tribulations—not a jazzy and exciting Ox year to say the least. Some conflicts are bound to happen at home and at work mainly due to lack of patient and communication. It is advisable to keep a cool head and stay objective always (i.e. bark only when necessary). Great effort, wholehearted commitment, and responsibilities (i.e. show your human companion what you are capable of as a individual than that cutesy face of yours) will be your main focus in order reap what you sow or avoid unfavorable surprises.

For those canines in the show biz (i.e. dog model, show dog) you need to put in conscientious efforts to nail that Jerky treats advertisement contract or the best of breed ribbon. You may be very good at flaunting your assets to get where you want to be, but not this year. Looks (even if you’re utterly cute) won’t get you far, or more treats. Listen canine comrades, you’ve got to stay grounded (remember, Ox plows the field) and wag your tails harder if you want to maintain the comfort and steady lifestyle you’ve been having. As for those dogs in the working and service sectors, your life won’t be much different either. Being a longtime hardworking dog, however, these tribulations won’t affect you much. They’ll probably feel like going through obstacle courses for the very first time.

There’s Still Money To Be Made In 2009

Fret not,  2009 isn’t about all gloom, despair, and barren, just be patient and hang in there. It will bear fruits (not a whole lot on windfall) and things will begin to ease up in early fall. Just remember, everything will sort itself out if we stick to routines, basic fundamentals, and systematic approaches (i.e. regular meals, walks, fitness and training programs). Ox favors discipline. No shortcuts, no fancy gimmicks, just be diligent and you will be rewarded accordingly. For all you know, you may not even feel 2009 any different from those good years you had.

Keynotes to Human Companions:

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 and life purpose.

Wealth: With careers, comes wealth. And since dogs cannot be legally employed and draw an income, nonetheless they will be “paid” through 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 Ox has installed for you and your human companion.

• Rat: 1996, 2008
• Ox: 1985, 1997, 2009
• 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

Renée: Since this is Snowball regular “column” and he’s no longer with me; I’ve appointed Zody and Kiki (a Silkie, latest additional to the family) to take over this segment. Thank you for your past support and I hope you  extend the same loving support to Zody and Kiki.

Zody and Kiki: We’ll be posting one Chinese zodiac daily before Lunar New Year begins on 26th January, 2009

Disclaimer: This forecast is provided for your general information only. The degree of impact for each canine or human varies.

Career: Your career luck outlook is average. It’s best to be cautious and prudent with every endeavor as any error made is likely to cause a stir. You will face difficulty in coming up with an effective plan to reach your goal. Think thrice before proceeding and avoid working independently. Do not discount any advice coming from your owner even he or she may not know your trade well. They are the one who have your interest at heart. Remember, do not be too gungho!

Wealth: Failure to have a sound financial plan, you’ll find it difficult to make both ends meet. Having said, there will be periods of extra income flowing in provided you do not spend more than you should. To maximize gains, you have to make it work. You must abide to the laws and adhere to its principles. Remember, honesty and loyalty are your traits, don’t lose them along the way when acquiring your wealth otherwise your greed will only result in you failing beyond redemption.

Romance: The only thing that isn’t gloomy is your romance. It may not be hot and spicy as you want it to be nonetheless you can expect a stable ride throughout this year. Just watch out your erratic behavior as this will result in more barking or snapping than usual. If you and your mate are born in the year of Dog, you may want to plan a litter this year to “prevent” those erratic moments. For singles, you will meet your ideal dog that you want to spend the rest of your canine life with!

Health: Other than your drastic mood swings, you are more klutzy than usual. By all means, do your regular exercises (i.e. dancing, walking) but avoid high-risk activities (i.e. flyball, working trail) to prevent accidents. What could work to your advantage (alleviate your spirit) is to have frequent holistic therapy sessions such as hydrotherapy, acupuncture, doga (yoga for canine), sound therapy, reflexology to name a few.

The Dog

Feb 10 1994 ~ Jan 30 1995
Jan 29 2006 ~ Feb 17 2007