2006 Is the Year of the Dog -- Ironic, Huh?
If you believe in Chinese mythology, 2006 marks the Year of the Dog. This fact is burdened with irony, considering that 2006 also marks the year of horrific, discriminatory dog laws. This year rings in a huge change for California law. It is this year when Senator Jackie Speier, with the backing of San Francisco mayor Gavin Newsom, overruled decades of law that held no dog could be discriminated against solely because of its breed. Speier pushed through SB 861, a law allowing counties to target breeds of dog.
The new 2006 also brought us breed bans in Aurora, Colorado and renewed horrors in Denver at the hands of a man who has been called the Canine Hitler, Kory Nelson. This year also brings an unprecedented number of breed bans or heavy restrictions currently on their way to a vote. Illinois has a bill pending that will declare 10 breeds dangerous, including the Chow Chow, Siberian Husky, and German Shepherd Dog. Kentucky started talking about restricting Rottweilers and Pit Bulls. Detroit, Michigan also wants to ban Pit Bulls, and Chicago, Illinois is also jumping on the anti-dog bandwagon. New Jersey, Ohio, Massachusetts and many other places have declared war on the dog in 2006.
According to Chinese mythology, those born in 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994 or 2006 belong to the Dog Year. However, since the Chinese New Year begins either in January or February, those born in those months should check the Chinese Lunar Calendar if they want to know what animal represents them.
Those who are born in the Year of the Dog are said to share many characteristics of this animal. A dog is said to be a human's best friend because it is dependable, loyal, faithful and honest. "Dogs wouldn’t dream of harming people. Instead, being courageous, they will always fight for justice and help friends in need. Those belonging to this animal sign can be fully trusted by their spouses. They are sensitive and will do anything to protect their loved ones." (Source: The Telegraph, Calcutta, India: http://www.telegraphindia.com).
What is especially ironic is that Chinese mythology paints the dog as a loyal, faithful companion that "wouldn't dream of harming people." United States law, however, holds entire breeds fatally accountable for the actions of a few irresponsible owners. While people who churn out litter after litter of aggressive pups with no health testings or titles and sell them to whoever has the cash, the law, for the most part, lets these people continue their unethical practices while condemning entire breeds to destruction simply because a few dogs brought into the world from these unscrupulous puppy millers do things most dogs from better origins would never do.
And if you are born in the Year of the Dog, remember another edict of Chinese mythology. Dogs bark to warn you against intruders and danger. So a nagging person having this personality trait means well, but may not always be appreciated. People belonging to this sign tend to think about problems yet to crop up. They also need time to relax. They usually enjoy the company of enthusiastic and confident people. If such people are ever cheated, the deceiver will never be able to regain their trust and faith. In terms of careers, Dog people are are reliable, responsible, trustworthy and dedicated, they make good teachers, lawyers, doctors, religious preachers, counsellors and the like.
So, who are these Dogs? Famous people born in the Year of the Dog include Sophia Loren, Winston Churchill and Ava Gardner.
Yep! 2006 is the Year of the Dog. Or, rather, the Year of the Downfall of the Dog, thanks to humanity.
-The End-
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