Your Grr-eat Horoscope…for July

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, CANCER!

The Cancer dog is responsive, sensitive and tolerant. You are a loving attention-seeker and always as determined as a dog hiding his favorite bone. And Cancerians, like their symbol, the crab, may take time to leap their hurdle – but they do.

• What makes you a good dog: You're friendly with everyone, good-natured and you're a reliable guard dog, too. Your protective nature toward your family and animal friends is the stuff gentle crab canines are stuffed with to the max.
• What makes you a bad dog: The problem is moody Cancer, which is ruled by the moon, can make you unpredictable toward other humans and animals. Worse, if your dog world turns topsy-turvy, you can be scrappy or secretive.
• Grr-eat matches: Other water signs (Pisces and Scorpio) are devoted to you, and calm Taurus can help center you and keep you even-tempered.
• Dog-loving celebrity: President George W. Bush's birthday is on July 6.

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

CANCER (June 22 – July 23)
Be Assertive. Mighty Mars and generous Jupiter may up your canine courage. Flaunt your wolf-type energy level, Moon Dog, especially during the New Moon on July 10. Go ahead – act confidant. Chase that feisty mutt or spoiled puss out of your dog world. You can do this and it will boost your Paper Tiger doggie ego, too. Grr-eat days: 9, 10

LEO (July 24 – August 23)
Play Watchdog. Uh-oh! This month you'll get the urge to explore the neighborhood in the heat of the night. The downside: Lion dog adventures may lead to unexpected chaos. If you hear barking dogs or cats fighting don't hang around and get into trouble. Run for shelter (do not stop to befriend humans) and head back home ASAP! Grr-eat days: 11, 12

VIRGO (August 24 – September 23)
Act Clever. Brace yourself, nervous pooches, because your family may neglect dog detail early this month. Blame it on the 4th of July festivities. Meanwhile, use your canine smarts: dig in inappropriate spots or fetch the doggy bag. By the New Moon on July 10 your needs will be tended to. (Read: plenty of toys and fresh water.) FYI: During the Full Moon on July 24 earthy Virgoan dogs will be pampered. Grr-eat days: 13, 31

LIBRA (September 24 – October 23)
Avoid Eye Contact. Your even-tempered personality may be tilted around the New Moon on July 10. Stubborn Libran dogs may even ignore family cuddle time. Simply put, you want more outdoor play activities and are not getting enough fun time. If you hold out (keep your head down!) you will be amid trees, grass and water soon. They'll get the hint. Grr-eat days: 24, 25

SCORPIO (October 24 – November 22)
Be Adaptable. OK Scorpy, this month may be a tad hectic (which is not a good thing for sensitive dogs, like you). But you don't have to make a choice between your love for two humans. By month's end you will understand how to share your feelings and be a devoted canine to all in the family. And that means more attention for you. Grr-eat days: 27, 28

SAGITTARIUS (November 23 – December 21)
Act Aloof. During the post-Independence Day it's your cue to behave distracted when around your humans. After all, they and their booms really were too loud and zapped your Archer energy. Before you know it they will feel guilty and make it up to you. (Look disoriented and they will be at your paws.) Count on extra walks and outings (when the days are cool). Grr-eat days: 19, 20

CAPRICORN (December 22 – January 20)
Speak Up. This is the month for Goat dogs to voice their summer of discontent. Most likely, your caretakers will get a clue and take you to the vet. Yes, you do want this to happen despite your dislike of losing control. Hopefully, your doctor will check out your total body from head to paws and get to the root of what's bugging you. Grr-eat days: 22, 23

AQUARIUS (January 21 – February 19)
Sniff It Out. Just when you thought everything was doggone perfect, a glitch will bug you like a summer flea. In other words, it's time to scrutinize a human or pet pal. By the Full Moon on July 24, you will know if this family member is a real dog person or not. Either way, you'll have closure and can enjoy the great outdoors with or without you know who. Grr-eat days: 24, 25

PISCES (February 20 – March 20)
Demonstrate Your Affection. Around the New Moon on July 10, summer dog love warms up in your backyard. Yep, Fish canines, open your eyes and perk up your ears because a new dog-loving human or dog is coming your way. It's play bow time because attention is in your paws. Grr-eat days: 26, 27

ARIES (March 21 – April 20)
Beat Separation Anxiety. While dogs like routine, excitable Arien canines are open to change. Unfortunately, Ram dogs may have to cope temporarily with a pet or human loss around the New Moon on July 10. Don't get too sulky. By the Full Moon on July 24, a new dog or cat chum will light up your life (calm down!) and win you over big-time this summer. Grr-eat days: 29, 30

TAURUS (April 21 – May 21)
Be Quiet. Shhh! Calm and loving Taurean dogs may have to put up with an obstinate human barking demands. If you play the obedient dog game ("No barking!") a dog-friendly person will come to your rescue. Read: Kicking back on the couch or Lazy Boy chair will be a paws up all month long without any "ifs," "ands," or "buts." And you'll get the last bark, Sofa Spud. Grr-eat days: 13, 22

GEMINI (May 22 – June 21)
Wag Your Tail. Come on, versatile Gemini doggies, don't hold your tail between your legs all month. Sure, the 4th of July fireworks stressed you out. But the booms are all gone, pup. Daily romps and go-dog car errands (yes, with the windows down) will help you to forget that noisy event. Let the warm summer breeze cool down your body and enjoy your dog days. Grr-eat days: 11, 12.