Career: Career-wise, problems may creep in, but the presence of resolving stars will aid your career and work luck only if you curb your temper. In all cases, stay calm always and not engage in any fights otherwise your positive energies will be dispelled if you retaliate. For example, avoid barking back at your new neighbor’s pup. Your alpha status will not be striped away by remaining levelheaded instead you will garner good reputation for yourself and your human companion. For those who are doing training programs (i.e flyball, puppy kindergarten, tricks), you’ll do very well in this area. Having said, you’ve to stay focus and put aside your worries while in training (should you detect any tension from your human companion through the leash, just keep your focus) in order to excel.

Wealth: Pay attention to your financial affairs. How well your regular income perform will largely depend on how well your maintain your temper. As for windfall, there’s nothing much you can gain in this area. Scrutinize all financial matters (i.e potential possession like fire hydrant) before you put your paw prints on. Avoid unnecessary expenditure at all costs as it only adds to your burden. Most importantly avoid indulging in self-admiration or sticking to your own opinions. Remember, there is always another fire hydrant to mark your scent.

Romance: Although you won’t suffer any heartache (for those dogs with mates), nevertheless you’ve control your emotion and exercise tolerance to maintain the existing good relationship. For single ox-dogs, you won’t have a romantic breakthrough either but the opportunity of meeting that special some one may still be present if you work hard to seek for her or him.

Health: Perhaps due to stress from relationship or financial matters (i.e. not getting noticed through your scent marking), you will experience some digestion problems. You must pay extra attention to your diet and avoid binging on food treats no matter how much your human companion dote on you. Doing so will only cause more problems to your health. Also do not venture alone (i.e. dog park) even if you’re one of the regulars there as you’re highly accident prone (i.e. paw pads cut by twigs or rough edges) this year mainly lack of focus.

The Ox

Feb 20 1985 ~ Feb 08 1986 (Wood)
Feb 07 1997 ~ Jan 27 1998 (Fire)
Jan 26 2009 ~ Feb 13 2010 (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.