Career: You will encounter many obstacles in your career this year due to an unlucky star hanging over you. Hence you are prone to quarrels, scandals, and litigation. Besides guarding against sneaky interference by mean canines it would be best to equip yourself a good communication skill. For instance, avoid mingling in a group of 3 or more dogs. If that’s unavoidable (e.g. in a daycare or grooming salon), keep a low profile and respect hierarchy order to maintain good relationship with other dogs and human caretakers.

Wealth: Your overall wealth luck will be good this year. You may also notice an increase in fortune in both regular and side investments (e.g. get additional hydrotherapy sessions while at the doggy daycare). For those rely heavily on side investments for comfort or survival should take heed, you might lose everything if you place all the eggs in one basket. Handle your unexpected business opportunities and income with care. Do not be too greedy. Do not break any law (e.g. bite without being provoked, or walk unleashed). Manage your wealth wisely.

Romance: Love-wise, it’s a rather quiet year for single-canines. Nevertheless you should make the most of social opportunities. There might not be many butts or scents to sniff in the parks or streets, you still want to make good impression when doing your rounds. Although family lifestyle is sound and stable, you can’t complain of having too much of harmony by practicing more tolerance, trust, and respect among married canines. Family (including human) support is very important to you at this time.

Health: No major illness or injury, but you will encounter some minor cuts. Avoid sharp objects at all times. You need to pay more attention to oral hygiene especially your gum. Make an appointment with your vet for teeth scaling. For older dogs or those choose not to go under anesthesia, use ProDen PlaqueOff.

The Snake

Feb 06 1989 ~ Jan 26 1990 (Earth)
Jan 24 2001 ~ Feb 11 2002 (Metal)
Feb 10 2013 ~ Jan 30 2014 (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.