Remember that dogs are loyal creatures, and generous to boot.  If you are a dog owner, you know the joy of being welcomed home from a hard day’s work by a dog happy to see you, no matter what mood you are in.  And if you make a mistake and/or leave it too long, it readily forgives you and is just happy to be with you.   At the same time, according to Chinese astrology, one of the weaknesses of the dog is that it trusts too easily and as a result, its judgment can be compromised.  This correlates with stories of people who have abused their dogs and the dogs are still amazingly loyal and protective of them.

So perhaps this year calls us to be loyal, generous and protective – but of what?  Is it a person? Or an ideal?  Confucius’ teachings on the importance of education, nobility, and ritual would suggest that we need to be loyal to the basic values that frame society and that enhance our humanity.  And that means being vocal and courageous in challenging those who would do otherwise.   As Confucius said:

–Cathy
Catherine M. (Cathy) Perme is a partner at Peterson & Perme Associates, LLC.