Career: This year, you will be easily harmed by villains (i.e. four- and two-legged bullies). In order to overcome your obstacles in your career you must learn to adapt to changes and take concession to avoid troubles. Suppose your human companion’s boyfriend comes over every weekend for sleepover causing you to have interrupted rest at night, what you could do is to sleep on the sofa instead of your cushy bed in the master bedroom. Remember, this too shall pass. You will receive help from influential people and turn bad fortunes into good ones.

Wealth: Financially, wealth luck is down. It’s not a good year to do any investment. If possible, avoid all risky financial undertaking such as taking loans (e.g. borrowing toys from neighbor’s dog) or act as guarantors for others (e.g. protecting your buddy’s territories—fire hydrant). Your financial keywords this year are LESS and CONSERVATIVE. Invest and spend less. Mull over issues thrice before coming to a decision. Take all forthcoming gains and losses in your stride. You must continue to learn and accumulate your wealth—the excess gains you made last year.

Romance: Romantically speaking, there’s nothing much happening for you this year be it for singles or married-canines. What you should strive for in your relationship with your partner is to maintain open communication and harmony at all times. Do not let your financial and career woes to cause you to lose temper and make nasty remarks about your spouse which is so in contrast to your usual nature. To get through this year lovingly, calm and temperance is key.

Health: Average health this year. Simply put, you won’t have any major illnesses but you might encounter a few small accidents if you aren’t vigilant. Be careful when using sharp objects (e.g. refrain from playing worn-out toys or chews) and walking on higher grounds or jumping (e.g. on or off sofa). Fellow canines, especially senior dogs, remember to take your medications (if any) and supplement promptly, and don’t postpone your annual checkup with your vet.

The Goat

Feb 15 1991 ~ Feb 03 1992 (Metal)
Feb 01 2003 ~ Jan 21 2004 (Water)
Feb 19 2015 ~ Feb 07 2016 (Wood)

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.