ARIES (21 Mar - 20 Apr)

The Aries companion is spirited! They don’t give up or give in at any time and that translates into you needing more willpower and consistency than she does, especially when it comes to discipline. Typically Aries, she’s interested in everything, jumping from a height of 10 feet with no sign of fear or any display of hesitation. Brave little thing, isn’t she! The flipside of it is that, like her human counterpart, she seems to injure her head a fair bit. The male Aries would still be as adventurous, curious and daring but less aggressive. He is likely to be quicker with learning and less defiant. He may charm you with his gallantry and his genteel nature.

TAURUS (21 Apr - 20 May)

The Taurean animal companion would be somewhat stocky in physical stature, regardless of species or breed. If you look at his chest, you will find it broader and “stout”. He is extremely patient even when “bullied” or pushed around by others. He is passive in nature — it takes quite a bit of constant “prodding” before he retaliates in anger, growling. If your Taurus animal friend is a female, notice how loving she is, always looking at you with such adoration and always seeking your attention. She’s a sweetie pie but don’t let that fool you into thinking that she’s the innocent party in moments when there’s a need for discipline (for example, in group play).

GEMINI (21 May - 21 Jun)

Your Gemini love is a curious one. Whether male or female, they would be quite independent in nature and may not want or need to be cuddled all that much. If you are in the habit of walking your Gemini companion without a leash or harness, you would best be keeping both eyes on your canine friend — he or she can disappear from your sight that split second that you blink your eye. If you think you have your hands full with the Arien, let me tell you now that you are wrong. You can expect more fun with this one. One thing I have noticed is that Geminian dogs don’t bark as much as dogs born under other zodiac signs. If there’s anything you don’t want drenched in saliva, or squelched with other bodily fluids, I suggest you keep it all in drawers or cupboards where they should be (or your child will be saying to his teacher “the dog ate my homework”).

CANCER (22 Jun - 22 Jul)

The Cancerian canine or feline is one that needs lots of emotional fodder. They are prone to moments of sadness and who can resist those cutesy eyes turned on you? Give the fella a hug and pick him (or her) up and give lots of smooches and watch their eyes light up! During the times of a full Moon, they may seem more “moody” and despondent and will need more cuddles. Don’t use food to make them feel better — these friends of ours have a tendency to put on weight easily especially around the abdomen.

LEO (23 Jul - 22 Aug)

The big cat (yes, you guessed it — I am referring to the Leo) is an interesting specimen to watch. The female Leo would be somewhat lazier than his female counterpart. Imagine him spreading out on the rug and lazing in the sun. If your Leo friend is a cat, expect him to give off a contented purring when you stroke him under the chin. The female Leo (especially of the feline species) is very much the hunter. You are likely to catch her peering at you from behind the sofa set and pouncing on you. You may even catch her “hunting” or stalking people and things in the house. You would need to be firm with her, especially when trying to discipline.

VIRGO (23 Aug - 22 Sep)

The Virgo canine is a dog that needs lots of attention and praises when he has done right — like going to potty on the paper. He is a dog that craves approval and affection! Should you catch him doing something “wrong” (something you don’t want him to do), do exercise restraint when saying “NO” or you could break his heart. Guide him well and gently and he will behave like a little angel always.

LIBRA (23 Sep - 22 Oct)

The Libra animal is one that will shine in training programs! They are highly intelligent and are quick learners. You may spot a bit of a cheeky urchin in them — something like making a quick go for your pen when you turn your back on them for even just one second. Certainly this is a companion that will entertain you with his antics and his intelligence.

SCORPIO (23 Oct - 21 Nov)

The Scorpio companion is rather difficult and, shall we say, moody? However, once you have shown your animal companion that you are the “leader of the pack” and that your rule stays whether he likes it or not, you will have a more pleasant time. When he is wrong, it is best to correct it immediately or you may find him acting out in defiance. Once your superiority has been established (firmly and not unkindly), you will have a fairly easy time with this one.

SAGITTARIUS (22 Nov - 21 Dec)

The Sagittarius companion will fill your life with lots of laughter, as he goes about entertaining you (unintentionally) with his antics. This one is clumsy on his feet and is loads of fun to watch as he goes running after a Frisbee — keep your eye on him, he is likely to take a tumble and knock his own chin and get back up on his feet with a dazed look on his face. Absolutely priceless!

CAPRICORN (22 Dec - 19 Jan)

The Capricorn is the easiest of the lot and doesn’t need a lot of disciplining. Once the ground rules have been laid and established, you are not likely to find this companion giving you a headache! I have a cat that’s born under this sign and he is easy easy to teach! When I introduced him to my canine companions, I was firm with him (his reactions) and less than 24 hours together, they were playing as if they grew up together!

AQUARIUS (20 Jan - 18 Feb)

The Aquarian companion would be a bit tricky to manage — she is likely to be in either extremes of friendliness and warmth vs aloofness but certainly she is one curious baby! Everything is interesting to her and if she goes missing, you are likely to find her in the oddest of places! She may display eccentric behavior, allowing you to hug her and snuggle with her and in the very next second, she may well growl or scratch at you. You would do well to remember that all she wants is love!

PISCES (19 Feb - 20 Mar)

The Piscean canine or feline is one who is constantly in a dreamy state — don’t be surprised if you find it howling (or yodeling) at “nothing”. This is one creature who seems to be mournful a lot of the time. But just like her Scorpion counterpart, she knows when you are down and is more likely than any other zodiac sign to press her nose against your face and lick your tears.