Year of the Dog - its here!

Good news - 2018 is the Year of the Dog! Finally, dogs get the recognition they deserve. Year of the Dog is Feb. 16, 2018 to Feb 4, 2019.

Life in the Year of the Dog is good. To us dog people, though, every year is Year of the Dog.

Chinese Year of the Dog

In Chinese astrology, each year is related to a zodiac animal (rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog and pig.)

The last Dog Year was 12 years ago - 2006. Before that, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982 and 1994.

Born in the Year of the Dog, you are one lucky Dog.

Characteristics of a Dog (or Dog person)

Chinese astrology says Dogs are honest and loyal, the truest friends and most reliable partner. A Dog’s most defining characteristic is loyalty. They will never abandon their friends, family or work. Honest and just, they are popular in social circles.

But you knew that - in any year, but especially in the Year of the Dog. 

Photo (c) Barb Ayers, DogDairy.org

Everyone needs a Dog friend for advice and help. They are also good at helping others find and fix their bad habits.

Seriously, Chinese astrologists say this! But you knew that, too. Dogs are the universal truth.

Despite how they act, Dogs are worried and anxious inside. However, they will not let this stop them. Once they decide on something, no one can persuade them against it. Know any Dogs like that?!

DogDiary.org

Brown Earth Dog Year - 2018

In Chinese astrology each zodiac year is not just associated with an animal sign, but also one of five elements: Gold (Metal), Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth.

The year of 2018 meets element of Earth, so 2018 is a Earth Dog Year. We haven't had an Earth Dog year since 1958.

The Chinese Horoscope 2018 predicts that this year of the Brown Earth Dog is going to be a good year in all respects, but it will also be an exhausting year.

You will be happy, yet frustrated, rested, yet tired, cheerful, yet dull!

Me 'n my bff Doodle.                                          Photo: (c) Barb Ayers, DogDiary.org

Dog Year advice to humans

According to Chinese astrology, 2018 is a very good year regarding financial aspects, but a little difficult from a health point of view.

Planning, postponing and negligence are words you will need to remove from your vocabulary this year.

Refreshed and regenerated, the Dog will accelerate the initiation of all things, but this will bring, in the same time, pressure and stress in the everyday life.

Actually, in the year of the dog, all zodiac signs will want to pay special attention to their health. Year 2018 is the ideal time to start eating healthy, doing sports and getting rid of bad habits. 

Now, get out and walk your Dog!!!!

HAPPY DOG YEAR! 

Check out the classic Warren Miller flick - windsurfing our Columbia River Gorge

My first trip to the Windsurfing Capital of the World, the Columbia River Gorge, was 1987. I got slammed. But I was hooked. I came back every summer that I could, traveling 20 hours each way in a car packed with dogs, camping gear and boards.

It was like leaving the bunny slopes of San Diego's Mission Bay and stepping up to the black diamond runs of windsurfing.

"Old School" Warren Miller film on windsurfing the Gorge

The dogs and I fell in love with the place - the majestic scenery, the active lifestyle- the small town community spirit. So we moved here 10 years ago. Though we miss the good friends and family left back home, it was the best decision ever.

My three sons - GoPro video windsurfing with me in the Columbia River Gorge. Video (c) Barb Ayers, DogDiary.org

The Columbia River Gorge- windsurfing capital of the world - today.

It howls wind here. The dogs sail with me on light wind days, at the beginner beaches, Hood River Event Site or The Hook - the only places I feel it's safe for them.

They always wear protection - wetsuits, life vests and leashes. We've not had a near miss with windsurfing dogs, and I never, ever want to.

Then some genius invented SUP (stand up paddle boarding) which is far less challenging for dogs, so we could go out every day! All four of us, before we lost our old basset boys to old age last year.

3 pup SUP - all four of us on board. Dude, me, Elvis, Doodle.   Photo: (c) Barb Ayers, DogDiary.org

It's all about the ride. The ride of life with a dog.

Barb Ayers, Dog Mom

I'm worried about my big brown friend. I'm worried about surgery Thursday.

This is Klaus, my big brown friend.

This is his signature Zen brown dog deep thoughts by Klaus pose.

I love Klaus. He's a big, brown happy-go-lucky guy. With a big dog smile and a big warm heart- always happy to see you on the trail.

But Klaus is really getting old. His coat is changing from brown to yellow. I'm really worried about him. He can't do all the things he loves to do anymore.

That's the only thing I don't like about being a dog. The 7:1 dog rule. Every year, dogs get seven years older. Who made up that stupid rule? Can we please change it?

Big and brown. Size, shape and color

When Klaus' mom Carole adopted him as a puppy at the shelter, the sign said he was good with cats and would grow up to be a medium size brown dog. So they took him home -medium was just right.

But.... turns out, he takes up the entire back seat!!  You have to fold down BOTH seats to make him fit! He is Huge. Not even a little bit medium.

Not that size matters. Except when it comes to heart.

Color matters - in a thank God we're not all the same kind of way. All of my friends have color.

                                                                                                              Eloise and Klaus    Photo (c): Barb Ayers DogDiary.org

Headstrong women

Speaking of not being dull... Klaus has a sister - Eloise - she is headstrong. In a good way. She just can't stand being on a leash.

                                                                                                               Photo (c) Barb Ayers, DogDiary.org

That just could be the new definition of headstrong. I'd call my mom headstrong and she doesn't wear a leash either.

Meanwhile, Klaus is always so Chill.

The friends we make - the crap that happens....

Klaus and I love walking our favorite trail in our home town, Mosier, OR in the Columbia River Gorge. The most amazing place on Earth.

Right next to that spot where, a year and a half ago, the oil train derailed.

Point is, crap happens.

Me and Klaus on the trail in our hometown- Mosier, Oregon     Photo: (c) Barb Ayers, DogDiary.org

We're on the journey together. The ups and downs. The ride of life. Not every moment is perfect.

I am having surgery this week. They are removing a tumor from my head. I'll be in a cone of shame for several weeks. So, you may not see much of me for a while. I'll do my best to write and tell you how it's going, but mom is a total wreck. Even though she's headstrong. 

We had a rough vet year last year, after losing my two old dog bros within months of each other. I'm only 6.5 (45 in dog years) - it's not time for me to fall apart just yet. I was hoping to avoid the vet and old age altogether.

Whatever it is - we face it together.

Thanks for being there.

Doodle