Career: With such a favorable star in authority, you would want to seek help from your benefactors to grow your business or career as they are extremely helpful this year. There is a possibility of switching career (e.g. being rescued from puppymill) and it may be an out of state assignment (e.g. from breeding dog to companion dog). Whatever predicament you are in, treat every canine and human with kindness as this is your ticket to freedom. If you don’t take heed and misbehave, you will fall into your own trap.

Wealth: Dragons are flamboyant creatures by nature. For example, some dragon-canines love to draw attention to themselves wherever they go either doing clever tricks or just being adorable. To retain your already established wealth (assets), you must cautiously guard against living beyond your means and as much as possible avoid borrowing from Fido to pay Rover. If you wish to increase conventional wealth or windfall, be scrupulous with your dealings. You will experience better luck or an increase in wealth (e.g. more treats) during night hours.

Romance: In love, single females will have greater opportunities to meet their soul canine mate than single males. Those who plan to settle down; this year will be a blissful time to do so. As for married canines wanting to set up a family, the possibility is high as there is offspring luck this year. Having said, good family planning (i.e. when your human companion is absolute certain to find good homes for the pups) should come first.

Health: It is important for you to maintain your exercise regime in spite of your new busy lifestyle. Otherwise, you may not have the stamina to oversea everything your work encompasses. Do not allow setbacks to affect your health. Do take care of your internal organs especially your digestive systems. Do not to gobble your food and eat less fatty (e.g jerky treats) snacks. Remember to be extra conscious over safety be it indoor or outdoor activities.

The Dragon

Feb 17 1988 ~ Feb 05 1989 (Earth)
Feb 05 2000 ~ Jan 23 2001 (Metal)
Jan 23 2012 ~ Feb 09 2013 (Water)

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.