Your Grr-eat Horoscope…for August

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, LEO!

Completely cheerful with a very high energy temperament, friendly Leos are also gentle and bold canines. Yes, lovable Lion dogs, born under the fifth sign of the Zodiac, maintain a fighting spirit and are the masters in the dog-eat-dog world.

• What makes you a good dog: You're such a faithful, give-and-take people-oriented canine. With the love of a mother canine doting on her puppies, you nurture all creatures, big and small.
• What makes you a bad dog: The problem is, you need lots of attention (like a spoiled pooch), and feed on praise and flattery. If neglected or barked at, your dramatic bark back can be mighty loud.
• Grr-eat matches: Other fire signs (like Aries and Sagittarius) or sociable air signs (like Libra and Gemini) can make you smile.
• Dog-loving celebrity: Martha Stewart's birthday is on August 3.

If you need help figuring out your pet's sign, please see What's Your Dog's Sign?

LEO (July 24 – August 23)
Be Courageous. This month peppy Mars and lucky Jupiter work overtime to keep you alpha pooch at home. (That isn't a big deal since you're the canine boss, anyhow.) Meanwhile, you can be scrappy, whether it be barking at the postman or chasing an annoying fly. But note, avoid risky leaps and bounds around the Full Moon on August 22. Grr-eat days: 7, 8
VIRGO (August 24 – September 23)
Be Creative. Around the New Moon on August 8, enjoy human interaction. They will get it that it wasn't you who had the potty accident or spilled the beverage. Let them come whimpering to you begging for forgiveness. Expect toys and treats. Play dead (for extra points) and you'll get tons of praise from your family once you resurrect. Grr-eat days: 9, 10

LIBRA (September 24 – October 23)
Act Stubborn. We know, we know. It's hard for Libran doggies to decide which toy to play with or if indoors is better than outdoors. Get a grip, Lib! This month you can't be wishy washy or you may be left behind. And you detest being left alone! If your humans are packing up fetch your leash ASAP unless you prefer to hang out at home and be pampered by the pet sitter. If so, get on the couch and stay put. Grr-eat days: 11, 12

SCORPIO (October 24 – November 22)
Amuse Yourself. Hark sensitive pooches! The Full Moon on August 22 turns your dog world upside down. Rather than whine, tune out the noise. After all, it's not "your" problem. Fetch your squeaky ball or rawhide bone and enjoy! Let your humans deal with it. If you feel that you must–provide doggie kisses at night to soothe their frazzled nerves. Grr-eat days: 15, 24

SAGITTARIUS (November 23 – December 21)
Go For It. Prepare your free spirit attitude (which shouldn't be too hard for you!), Sag. Yep, dogs love to get up and go–and this month you star in your own action-oriented road trip with your pet pal or humans. Hang loose and have the time of your dog life. P.S. Don't leave home without your ID tags. Grr-eat days: 7, 21

CAPRICORN (December 22 – January 20)
Sniff the Flowers. Love, love, love. It's all dogs need and you get all you want this hot month. So sensible Cappie–go with the flow. The New Moon on August 8 pushes you to be a love magnet for furry four-leggers, but you may roam looking to join a fun-loving two-legger around the Full Moon on August 22. (Read Sagittarius.) Grr-eat days: 7, 23

AQUARIUS (January 21 – February 19)
Be Reserved. Don't be a fraidy cat about communicating with your humans. Go ahead, Water Bearer–express yourself in a different way this month. If you usually bark or howl to make your people notice you try a new approach. How about eye-to-eye contact? A nice, quiet switcheroo may clear the air and get what you want faster. Grr-eat days: 9, 22

PISCES (February 20 – March 20)
Stay Physical. As summer heats up, escapist Pisces pooches may need to feel revitalized. While you may be tempted to kick back, nudge your people to take you out for a walk early mornings and late evenings. It will help keep you in shape and make you feel better, too. Plus, your barking and howling (which takes energy) will taper off because you'll be calmer. Grr-eat days: 23, 24

ARIES (March 21 – April 20)
Take It Easy. Jump for joy because this month Ariens can put their paws on their heart's desire. For you, that's plenty of outdoor sport activities. Yep, you're going to enjoy hiking, camping and swimming. Caution: don't fall victim to Weekend Warrior Syndrome. Play hard but cool-off whenever you get tired and take a break. Grr-eat days: 21, 22

TAURUS (April 21 – May 21)
Find Your Spot. People and pet connections get on your nerves this month. Blame it on the heat, move, home improvements or testy Mars. Despite the hustle bustle, find your favorite spot and curl up, idealistically outdoors, Bull dogs. Don't let cats, dogs or humans in your quiet space either. It's your time to regroup and howl with nature. Grr-eat days: 28 29

GEMINI (May 22 – June 21)
It's Party Time. Thanks to the New Moon on August 8, you're going to be treated to weekend bliss. Think outdoors with your favorite four-legged dog chums. Dog park? The beach? A doggie restaurant? Rest up because you, social dogs, are in for a lot of canine activity and you want to have all your Geminian energy. Grr-eat days: 7, 8

CANCER (June 22 – July 23)
Be Cocky. This is not the season to curl up and put your paws over our eyes. Around the New Moon on August 8, make your move. Bark at your human or confront that pet roomie. Yes, sensitive Moondoggie, let it be known that you have feelings and rights, just like people do. If you don't speak up now you'll whine about it later. Woof! Grr-eat days: 5, 6