Yup ... I'm a Dog!

I'm loyal to a fault. Well, that may not be exactly true, but I'm as loyal as a dog. I mention that from time to time ... that I'm just like a dog. Ironically, I was born in the year of the dog and although I have never gone in for any of that mumbo-jumbo, most things that I have read regarding Chinese astrology and the year of the dog are pretty spot on. Here's a description of a Dog from good-old Astrology.com:

In the West, the Dog is man's best friend, but in Chinese Astrology this Sign is a little more unpredictable than that. Dogs are loyal, faithful and honest and always stick to their firm codes of ethics. However, this Sign has trouble trusting others. It's generally quite trustworthy itself -- except for the occasional "little white lies" the Dog tells in order to make things go more smoothly. The Dog makes a wonderful, discreet and loyal friend (despite any white lies) and is an excellent listener. This Sign tends to root for the underdog and its keen sense of right and wrong makes it duty-bound to the core. The Dog's mantra seems to be, Live right, look out for the little people and fight injustice whenever possible.

Dogs can also be rather dogmatic, too. They don't go in for light social banter; instead, they go straight for home, expostulating on the topics that are most important to them. At these times the Dog's narrow-minded or stubborn side can become apparent; this Sign has trouble staying light and calm when an important issue is at stake. This Sign can also be very temperamental; mood swings characterize its emotional life and often the Dog needs to run off to be alone in order to recuperate. Part of the problem is the result of this Sign's load of irrational fears that turn into niggling anxieties that turn into hurt feelings and occasional grouchiness. This sensitive Sign needs to warm up to others over time and gradually learn to trust them. Without that trust as a foundation, Dogs can be judgmental and coarse.

The Dog's discerning nature does make it an excellent business person, one who can turn that picky, guarded nature into a keen sense of the truth of another's motives. Where love is concerned, Dogs often have a tough time finding the right match. They can be so anxious and overwrought in the romance dance that they'll stress their partner to the max! In any forum, this Sign is happiest when able to be quite physically active; at home or at work, the Dog will always be constructing something new or cleaning something up in order to make things better. Dogs need to work on controlling their irrational worries and would also be well-served to relax their mile-high standards, which can sometimes wind up alienating the ones they love.

It may not be completely spot on, but it's pretty darn close. The topic of loyalty and my own personal code of ethics is what brings this topic up. My code of ethics? Stand by my side (even just a little) and I'll die for you, turn away from me for even a moment and you're dead to me. You gotta pet this dog every once in a while if you want to keep him on the porch!

I am loyal and I expect others (friends and loved ones) to be loyal to me. Unfortunately I am all-too-frequently disappointed in this regard. Once someone shows a sign of disloyalty to me, I become the rabid dog. I do have mood swings and they are almost always brought on by a loved one turning (even unintentionally) on me. I am often filled with anxieties ... as I write this I'm an emotional wreck ... that simply need to be pacified. If you love me, remind me of that on occasion. If you want to survive a relationship with me then at least make sure I make you're list of Top Ten Favorite Things.

I don't like, nor do I appreciate, being the object of your affection only when it is convenient. If my loyalty to you causes me to go out of my way to demonstrate it, then I expect the same in return. I don't do acquaintances.