For Fun

Which Pet is Best for You?
By the MSN Astrocenter Team

You probably already know that an astrological Compatibility Report can help you get along better with your significant other. But did you know that astrology can also give you insight on which pet is ideal for your Sun Sign?

There are oodles of pets and breeds out there to choose from - more than 400 breeds of dogs alone! With the advances in veterinary medicine, animals live much longer lives these days - dogs, an average of fifteen years or more, and cockatiels twice that amount of time. Your pet's friendship is not a fleeting thing, so you can see why it is so important to choose wisely when deciding on a furry or feathered friend.

Consider your own personality traits carefully before bringing in that new member of your family. If you consistently work long hours, your pet friend could suffer from lack of company. Dogs and horses need exercise, and some just aren't meant for lazy owners. Even birds can get neurotic or physically ill if left alone for more than six hours. So, if you love winged ones, buy two. Cats are more independent, yet live for consistency.

You are signing on for a commitment when getting a new pet. Read on to see which animal friend could be the ideal match!

Aries: (March 21 - April 19)
A dog that needs exercise and lots of attention keeps Aries busy. An eager to please German Shepherd allows you to assume the role of friend, or "Alpha Dog Pack Leader." Intelligent Collies think fast on their feet, something you definitely appreciate. You will admire the Chihuahua, who thinks he is a guard dog and won't be insulted by man or beast. The Pointer is a delightful companion, if difficult to train. For Aries, "Sit! Stay!" means that. Therefore, no matter what type of dog you choose, a pet-owner training class is wise - even if you've adopted an older dog. If you have the room, of course Aries should have a ram or at least a sheep!

Taurus: (April 20 - May 20)
If you are one of the alleged less-than-active Taureans, you may enjoy a Basset Hound or Dachshund. The Basset Hound is slow moving and persistent, while the Dachshund is inactive and undemanding. The latter becomes quite possessive of an owner. A Schnauzer is reliable and adaptable to your time schedule, something hardworking Bulls appreciate. A fascinating, slow-as-molasses turtle may also delight you. If you have the space, the Taurus could love boarding a cow or steer, or even a buffalo! Cats purr when happy and content, and sometimes Taurus does too. That makes a good match.

Gemini: (May 21 - June 20)
Did you know that the Beagle has been described as "philosophical"? A Gemini probably ascribed the definition. Beagles are extra friendly, accommodating and flexible - perfect for the agile Twin. The alert and cheerful Retriever loves to please. Throw something their way and they always come back. Be prepared to toss again and again. The Poodle is intelligent and entertaining, and will create a mutual admiration society with a Gemini. A chatty Pomeranian is alleged to interrupt conversations. Rottweilers make nervous Gemini owners even more so. Parrots and cockatiels learn to talk. Cats caterwaul, or cry out - a form of interaction Gemini might learn to appreciate. You won't be alone with a feline friend; they acknowledge you day or night.

Cancer: (June 21 - July 22)
The Border Collie spends its life anticipating and hoping for the type of attention a Cancerian Moonchild has to give: Collies will herd, love and protect you. The Retriever is a good family dog. A Bulldog also adores children, in case you have little ones around. They could care less about adults and other dogs, however. Longhaired breeds need lots of brushing, making them prime candidates for the Crab's nurturing skills. They'll give affection and love in return. Call a cat for dinner and she comes in her own good time, though few snub a Cancer. Birds and fish resonate to your tender loving care.

Leo: (July 23 - August 22)
A gorgeous, long-haired Afghan Hound looks good on the leash, just as a stunning companion does on regal Leo's arm. An English Setter is aristocratic and friendly. Both breeds thrive in wide-open luxury spaces, just like Leo. Neither dog listens unless you are firm with royal command. The cheerful Irish Setter is a real party-type dog that everyone loves and wants to get to know. He or she will be the source of many introductions. One imagines the Leo with a couple of pet chinchillas, minks or beautiful, exotic parrots. A cat? The match has to be just right or it's cat fighting between owner and pet, when both think they are each other's ruler.

Virgo: (August 23 - September 22)
Dogs in the hound family enjoy luxury and comfort, and are happy to lie around and simply look pretty. The Basset Hound especially benefits from the attention to diet that a Virgo caregiver provides. It keeps them slim and trim. An adaptable, alert, quick Schnauzer is neither noisy nor nosy and won't tend to intrude in your affairs. A Rottweiler isn't for the nervous owner. Big work dogs and sporting dogs require attention and activity. The lively Terrier could be a good match, although they are not so easy to train. Mutts are iffy and a discriminating Virgo won't know what they are getting. Birds can be messy and can't be trained to "neaten up." On the other hand, cats like life to hum along in efficient rhythm, just as you do.

Libra: (September 23 - October 22)
A Spaniel is an energetic and happy dog who loves what you love - a harmonious environment. Spaniels are easily trained, which is important for harmonious Libra. An Akita can be too bossy, and you could end up being their pet. Poodles are classy, entertaining, and intelligent. After a day at the doggy salon, a sweet-smelling Poodle - decked out in a perky bow - attracts attention and new friendships. Canaries provide music to a home. A cockatiel is always ready to "talk" to communicative Libra. A cat naps a lot, thus may not be around when you want them to be social. And, they aren't big on the open paw policy, in case you are hoping for the message, "Guests are always welcome."

Scorpio: (October 23 - November 21)
The Collie doesn't tolerate fools, but then neither do you. If your pet doesn't like your friends or new significant other, he or she is a great warning system that says you should be leery, too. A Scorpio might love to be seen holding the other end of the leash of something as unusual as a Pharaoh Hound. This mysterious looking dog is considered the guardian of world secrets from the time of the ancient Egyptian temples. An Airedale can be stubborn, and you should carefully consider whether you want to butt heads with someone whose mind is as fixed as your own. You can't help but admire each other's courage and genuine style, however. A Scorpio resonates with a finicky cat that loves to proclaim, "Mine!"

Sagittarius: (November 22 - December 21)
Are you a lucky Sagittarian with a horse? Then you, also need a dog like a Setter or Pointer to run alongside both of you. The intelligent, all-purpose German Shepherd is a good friend to have around when you want to stay home or are up for adventure. Many members of the Toy dog family can be scooped up and put in a pocket, ever ready to explore. You might find a Chihuahua is too nervous as a traveling companion. Terriers act first and think later. Decide first whether you want to be two of a kind. Cats like life to operate like a well-oiled machine. They hate change! Are you willing to be a creature of habit, dear Archer?

Capricorn: (December 22 - January 19)
Sea Goats resonate with working dogs like Border Collies, German Shepherds, or Huskies. Convince a Boxer or a Doberman that you know best and that you are the boss and they are the pet - which you shouldn't find too difficult - and they'll happily guard you, your home and your family. A Schnauzer likes rules and follows them. Toy dogs get upset and snappy, making it difficult to concentrate. A cat sits on your computer, hits the wrong key and erases three hours of work efforts. A mutt doesn't come with Capricorn-coveted papers or prestigious breed qualifications like "The Soft-Coated Wheaton Terrier, son of Alhambra Nottingdale IV and Queen Pookiboo Xi."

Aquarius: (January 20 - February 18)
Water Bearers make ideal adoptive parents for the mutts of the world. Ears, bodies, legs and feet that don't seem to match the dog they belong to are fascinating to you. A Greyhound retired from racing is a rescue mission: They love to run; you have to be fit - and if you aren't, they keep you that way. A Pekinese has a huge, free and independent personality you have to admire. Just know that they are rather dignified and may disapprove of outfits you consider stunning, but they find distasteful. If you have room for boarding, Aquarians are attracted to exotic animals like camels, elephants and emus because no one else has them!

Pisces: (February 19 - March 20)
The most obvious pet choice for a Pisces is, of course, a fish. Koi can be friendly creatures, though not huggable. The bonus for a Pisces is the pond, complete with fountain that relaxes your nerves. Cats nap a great deal, but then so do many Pisces. Cats are good little lap nesters and provide something to compassionately pet. Purring is reassuring icing on the cake. Non-sporting dogs make great companions: They'll love activity when you want to do something, and yet it's okay if you just want to laze around. The Chow Chow and Shar-Pei easily win your heart. Dogs with big, hidden-by-hair eyes that you can't peer into, like a Lhasa Apso or a Shih Tzu, might make you uncomfortable.