Career: Good business and career luck this year especially so for budding entrepreneurs. If you’ve been planning to start that dog sitting or home acupuncture services for dog business, this is the year to do so. You will receive help from your benefactors which enable your to show off your talents with excellent results, however, maintain a low profile to avoid conflicts with petty people and canine. Should conflict arises, be diplomatic and use your innate charm and intelligence—blatantly put, stop that incessant barking!

Wealth: If you are seeking for windfall this year, there is much to be gained in this area. Help your human companion to pick up winning lottery numbers or the right stock this year, but don’t hope to strike too big. You are much better to gather your wealth through the proper means–do tricks to gain more treats. Sitting around and expecting kind soul to shower you treats or massages, you won’t get any. You have to beg for it, literally. Remember, to spend your money wisely, don’t splurge, don’t showoff your gains as you might unwittingly attract petty people.

Romance: If you’re looking for a suitable mate to mate, this is the year to procreate. So go out and social, do whatever to get your human to bring you out more often. Remember, you want to look available not needy—sniffing every available butt will only make you become more skanky. Those already with partners, be more patient and build strong mutual trust and support.

Health: Your health is moderately poor and will be easily affected due to fatigue. It is very important that you stick to a routine lifestyle. Dogs with kidney problems should be more vigilance with your diet.

The Rat

Feb 02 1984 ~ Feb 19 1985 (Wood)
Feb 19 1996 ~ Feb 06 1997 (Fire)
Feb 07 2008 ~ Jan 25 2009 (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.