This is the Chinese Year of the Dragon. It is a year in which a lot of Chinese women are hoping to give birth because a Dragon symbolizes strength, health, harmony and intellectuality. And more importantly many consider Dragon people extremely lucky and blessed.

Chinese believe the year you were born has a bearing on your financial status later in life.

I found out I am not a lucky Dragon. I am a Dog.

According to the Chinese Zodiac and its 12-year cycles, the Dog ”symbolizes character traits such as loyalty, compatibility and kindness. Dogs frequently offer kind words and useful advice, always listening and lending a shoulder when necessary.

“Dogs are determined individuals; always wanting to master a new subject before moving on and always finishing what they start. Dogs value friendships; they’re loyal, honest, trustworthy and reliable and have strong morals and ethics.

“A well-kept, organized home is very important. Keeping a clean home and helping at work stems from the Dog’s need to be active and involved. Dogs spend money wisely, passing on luxury goods in favor of practical items. Dogs also prefer saving money to cover future expenses.

“Dogs are seen as valuable employees. Good career choices for Dogs include: police officer, scientist, counselor, interior designer, professor, politician, priest, nurse, clerk and judge.”

That does a fair job of describing me. I guess you would put newspaper editor in among those career categories. In the Navy I was an electronics technician, specializing in radar, UHF radio and navigation systems. So, I guess that’s the scientist part.

But, wait, there’s more to Dogs than being loyal, brave, trustworthy, courteous and kind. There are five elements: Earth Dogs, Metal Dogs, Water Dogs, Wood Dogs and Fire Dogs.

That’s me, a Fire Dog.

“Fire Dogs are true leaders. Others enjoy being in the company of Fire Dogs. They’re sexually attractive, charismatic, vibrant and confident and they always prefer to be on the go.”

Hey, I’ll take the sexy part.

My wife is a Wood Monkey, which the Zodiac describes as sharp and witty.

“They are practical and sharp and possess a general knowledge of how things work. They have a knack for communicating with others and excel in languages and information technology. These Monkeys can deal with all types of people with ease and grace. They work hard and apply their practicality to their work.”

Monkeys make excellent accountants among other similar careers. That sure nailed my wife’s career.

Monkeys and Dogs match up pretty well for romance, according to the calendar. That’s for sure. We’ve been married 31 years.

Michael Raffety is editor of the Mountain Democrat. His column appears biweekly.