When is your dog not a Dog?

When we are talking about the Chinese New Year, which we are doing a lot this week because the world has just embarked on the Year of the Monkey.

You’re a Dog if you were born in the years 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006… And your dog is a Dog, if she was born in those years as well. Otherwise she is Tiger, Pig, Ox, etc. Got it?

According to the Chinese zodiac, those born in the Year of the Dog are loyal and honest, amiable and kind, cautious and prudent. They will do everything for the person who they think is most important. Hmmm, sound familiar?

It is also believed that Dogs are not good at communication, thus giving them a bad rep of stubbornness. Wow, really familiar.

Dogs, it turns out, just need a quiet life and a good family. Fair enough – all the Dogs I know, human and canine could benefit from that.

The upcoming Monkey year for Dogs is not going to be a walk in the park. Apparently, it is going to take a strong focus and tough skin for this to be a successful year for all the Dogs out there. Also, they need to be patient.

What about for the rest of us? What does Year of the Monkey bring for all signs of the Chinese zodiac? The theory is that since monkeys are playful and quick, this is going to be a lively year. It’s a good time for fresh starts and new chances and lot of energy.

Good luck for this Monkey year.
猴年吉祥 (Hóunián jíxiáng)