Career: There is neither extremely good nor bad luck in your career this year. As stated, there’s high possibility of traveling and relocating. You are also likely to switch jobs or even career. Do so if you feel there isn’t any prospect in your current job or have multiple skills that allow you to adjust to new work environment easily (e.g. from showdog to dancing dog to working dog). For what it’s worth, you might reap rewards (not necessary in monetary sense) for making that switch. Remember your personalities rule your destiny. So stay true to your Pig personalities such as being modest, humble, and optimistic. Dogs in training programs, you might want to consider taking a break if there’s too much pressure. However, you must work hard after the rest.

Wealth: Fluctuations are huge in profits this year however you have to be mindful with your investment such as not to invest beyond your means. Do not splurge, when in making decision concerning finances, as a mean of relieving stress. For example, you might want to consider digging the correct number of holes to hide your newly acquired possessions instead of digging for the sick of digging. Be vigilance, continue to work hard, and avoid hoarding. If you could establish an easygoing attitude on monetary issues or assets for that matter, everything will turn out all right.

Romance: With the hectic year ahead, you often feel irritable and stressed out in regards to relationship particularly with loved ones. Married pig-canines will face more tension as there are conflicting interests and constant frights over trivial matters such as who gets the first kiss from owner. For single-canines who are seeking, the possibility of falling in love will be slime. If any, avoid long-distance romance as it requires great amount of attention on your part which unfortunately you don’t seem to have much to spare.

Health: When you do not manage your relationship—be it in romance or business—well, you’ll often feel burn out as such that it affects your physical and mental health. Take frequent short trips to tranquil places (e.g. countryside walks) especially for city pooches. A slower pace will help to get your mind off the things (i.e. trivial matters) that bother you and hopefully it will help you feel well adjusted once you resume to your regular lifestyle. As much as possible avoid visiting the sick (e.g. animal and human hospitals) and the dead (e.g. attending funerals).

The Pig

Jan 31 1995 ~ Feb 18 1996 (Wood)
Feb 18 2007 ~ Feb 06 2008 (Fire)
Feb 05 2019 ~ Jan 24 2020 (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 peers especially your competitors could get really nasty with you this year. For example, if you participate in any competitive activities (i.e. flyball, agility, dogshow) be careful who you form an alliance with. Because of your friendly nature, you generously share your “secret recipes” with anyone who in need of a helping hand. This could backfire, so be extremely selective to which dog you confide in. You must put in 100% focus on what you need to accomplish your goal. Do not be distracted by insignificant issues. If you stay collect and be diplomatic, you will achieve more than expected.

Wealth: Like your career, your wealth luck is not so rosy this year. Be prepared to dig deep into your burrow and fork out most of your possessions (i.e. bones, toys, shoes, keys) for some unexpected situations (i.e. land reclamation by authority) this year. So it’s advisable to start searching for another burrow that will withstand the test of time—an excellent idea is to get a toy box (yes, you may have to forgo your owner’s shoes for good not that’s of any use to him). In any case, avoid any major investment, as there are many uncertainties at home and at work.

Romance: The potential for finding deep and true love is high in 2008. Your desirable mate is someone born in the year of the Ox. And if you are in a relationship, it will be a blissful and loving year. Remember, not to take your mate for granted. Take this opportunity to build a stronger bond by vacationing in places where both of you have never been (i.e. boat cruising). This will help both of you reflect the precious love you shared when relationship is at its lowest point.

Health: As said earlier, you major concern is your health as your immune system is particularly low this year. You have a tendency to spread yourself to thin due to your industrious nature, thus you fall ill easily. Learn to delegate and conserve your energy for those important ones. Make sure you get sufficient rest and they must be uninterrupted sleep especially if you lead a very active lifestyle. Lastly, maintain a bubbly attitude—there will always be burrows to dig!

The Pig

Jan 31 1995 ~ Feb 18 1996
Feb 18 2007 ~ Feb 06 2008