Astrology Alert: Happy Birthday, Capricorn Pups and People!

On December 22, the sun moved into Capricorn and will stay there through January 19, as it does every year. That means that right now it's time to shine the celestial spotlight on the divine sign of Capricorn is the Goat. Happy Capricorn Season, Dogsters! My cosmic niche is exploring how people's star signs are revealed in their lifestyle choices. I write Traditional Home magazine's Star Style column on astrology and lifestyle/design. Living with dogs is a lifestyle choice (and a brilliant one, in my humble opinion) so I'm fascinated by the different ways people of different signs display affection for beloved pets. If you're a dog, you can be sure you'll be treated with love and respect by your Capricorn human. Ruled by serious Saturn, Capricorn is the serious worker of the zodiac, prizing discipline and hard work. Since they always prioritize work first, Capricorns are naturally drawn to working K9 breeds such as the Rottweiler or Akita. But whether the Capricorn's four-footed friends are working or sporting breeds (like Capricorn President Richard M. Nixon's faithful Irish Setter companion, King Timahoe), purebred or mixed, they will be well-trained good canine citizens. A Capricorn's K9 companion masters the basics of sit-down-stay during puppyhood and grows even more beautifully behaved with time. And because Capricorns always put the needs of family ahead of their own, the training methods used on beloved pets will always be kind and compassionate. Capricorn actor Kevin Costner entrusts the schooling of his beloved dogs to master trainer Inger Martens, renowned for her positive yet authoritative approach (as detailed in her book, Paws for a Minute). Those Capricorns who opt to take care of dog training themselves will select only gently effective tools such as the Mesh Non-Pull Harness. (Costner also supports The Orange Dog, a rescue outfit that saves pets from euthanasia at overcrowded animal shelters and transports them to Canada for rehoming, via private jet. Way to go, Capricorn Kevin!) According to the late, great astrologer Linda Goodman, "Many Capricorns have strong feet and wear sensible shoes." So a Goat's lucky dog can look forward to long hikes over intriguing terrain, an activity all dogs enjoy, but the Capricorn's dog is likely to get more of. More than any other dog lover, the Goat will always be up for a brisk walk, and will relish strapping on the Vasque trail shoes to take slow, muscle-building, uphill climbs along steep inclines. Capricorns have boundless reserves of energy when it comes to looking after dogs and showing them a good time. Consider Rob Maher, the tireless co-owner of Unleash Brooklyn, New York City's best boarding facility for dogs (and cats); Rob works like, well, like a dog to ensure that his K9 charges are having so much fun, they never miss their owners. Capricorns also won't shy away from the less-fun chores that come along with K9 stewardship, such as brushing and bathing the dog. Goats are most likely to perform these doggie duties themselves, at home, with tons of TLC, rather than schlep Spot to a groomer. Old-soul Capricorn has tremendous respect for the wisdom of age and experience, so Goats appreciate senior dogs. Let everyone else bypass the overlooked cages of sad-eyed seniors at the local animal shelter; the Capricorn will not only stop to adopt, s/he'll go out and sing that dog's praises, letting the world know all about the special joys of living with a mellow, mild-mannered mutt. Capricorn photographer Heather Green specializes in pet portraiture, and her incredible images of distinguished dogs like Bella, her own graying-muzzled Great Dane (pictured above), are poetic tributes to these wise old K9 souls. Elder states dogs will be treated like royalty by their Capricorn owners, who will gladly move over to let favorite couch hounds have the sunniest snoozing spot on the sofa. Capricorns also take care to provide the coziest, most joint-supportive dog beds... premium dog food that's easy for the senior GI tract to process ... and tasty treats that promote joint mobility (such as Ark Naturals Sea MobilityJoint Rescue). And when illness strikes, Capricorn is the first to drop everything, carry the dog to the car, and rush them to the 24-hour emergency veterinary hospital. Capricorns are brilliant, deep thinkers. When the inevitable happens and a best friend's life is cut short,Goats mourn beloved dogs with uncommon grace and wisdom. They are not the type to say "Never again" to adopting after a beloved dog dies; they are more likely to saddle up, go forth, and bravely give another shelter dog a new leash on life.They never stop grieving, but they don't let their heavy heart interfere with helping out another dog. For proof, consider these famous verses from "The Power of the Dog" by Capricorn poet Rudyard Kipling:

When the body that lived at your single will, With its whimper of welcome, is stilled (how still!) When the spirit that answered your every mood Is gone wherever it goes for good, You will discover how much you care, And will give your heart to a dog to tear.

Like how all this sounds? If a Capricorn is the sign you seek as a mate, know that the signs most compatible with the Goat are Taurus, Virgo, Scorpio, and Pisces.

Capricorn Dogsters and friends/lovers of Capricorn Dogsters, we'd like to hear from you what's it like to be a Goat's dog? Please use the comments to share astrological insights!

Featured Image Credit By: Ljupco Smokovski, Shutterstock