by Simone Butler

Your pet says a lot about who you are. It may even be possible to predict your sign through the pet you own -- or who owns you! The beautiful woman escorting the well-groomed poodle could very well be a Libra. And the championship equestrian? Probably a Sagittarian. Let's see what astrology has to say about the kind of animal companion that works best for you.

Aries (March 21 - April 19)
Rams are always on the go, so you need a lively pet that can keep up with you -- like maybe a Jack Russell terrier. That fit bicyclist with the cockatoo on his shoulder is apt to be an Aries. An animal that doesn't mind being left alone a lot -- like an older cat or even a hamster -- also works well. Better yet, how about a menagerie of cats, rabbits and dogs? They'll keep each other entertained and make you laugh -- a favorite Aries pastime!

Taurus (April 20 - May 20)
The sensual Bull likes a touchable pet, like a plush Russian blue or Scottish fold cat. No slimy reptiles for you, although the placid, ambling nature of the tortoise -- your other animal symbol -- could capture your heart. High-strung breeds like Dalmatians make you nervous. A Taurus can be found in the neighborhood park, playing catch with a sweet-natured golden retriever or beagle. You’ll also find the silky-soft rabbit charming.

Gemini (May 21 - June 20)
A parrot or cockatiel makes a great companion for the Twins. Birds resonate with your airy, free spirit -- and what a plus for your chatty nature if your pet can actually talk back to you! You'd also appreciate an intelligent dog, like a German shepherd. The young woman on the plane with a Chihuahua tucked into her satchel is likely a Gemini. The antics of a monkey or even pet mice could be an endless source of delight for you.

Cancer (June 21 - July 22)
Forget about the prickly Crab. Your true symbol is the cat, curled up in a ball. Home-loving, cuddlesome and fond of eating -- just like you -- the tabby cat is your perfect breed. Allow your female cat to have a litter of kittens -- you'll both be in seventh heaven. You can spot a Cancer slipping food to an animal pal under the table. Any fragile creature, like abandoned birds or neglected dogs, will find a nurturing home with you.

Leo (July 23 - August 22)
The Lion is regal at heart. Whatever pet you choose, it should be gorgeous or exotic enough to match your kingly or queenly nature. Think Bull Mastiff, long-haired tortoiseshell cat or iguana. The pride with which a Leo shows off his Arabian horse is a dead giveaway to his sign. Elegance is essential, even in a run-of-the-mill breed. Playfulness is also key -- you're a child at heart, and your pet should be, too.

Virgo (August 23 - September 22)
Dogs that smell and cats that shed -- or any creature that misbehaves -- won't last long with you, Virgo. You'll insist on taking the puppy to training school and the cat to be professionally groomed. And everyone will thank you for it! The family with goats or chickens in the backyard, doling out milk and eggs, is probably headed by a practical, health-conscious Virgo. You also appreciate the clean, quiet ways of a hamster or rabbit.

Libra (September 23 - October 22)
Aesthetics are important to you. The stylish guy with the cream-colored Persian to match the couch is no doubt a Libra. Lizards, snakes and ratty little dogs leave you cold. But an elegant afghan would suit you fine. You admire the beauty of exotic fish, and their tranquil meanderings soothe your nerves. You adore birds, especially lovebirds, but their chirping may disturb your need for harmony. An outdoor aviary is the solution.

Scorpio (October 23 - November 21)
That kid from school with the boa constrictor caged up in his bedroom? Probably a Scorpio. Your sign resonates with the seductive, secretive nature of the reptile family. Pets with an air of mystery, like an Abyssinian cat or even an owl, also appeal to you. So do those with a dangerous edge, such as a pit bull or Doberman. You admire an animal that can hold its own -- just like you.

Sagittarius (November 22 - December 21)
With the Centaur as your symbol, it's no surprise that the horse is one of your favorite animals. That teenaged girl smitten with riding was probably born under the sign of Sagittarius. The free nature of the horse awakens your fiery, questing spirit. You also like outdoorsy dogs like labs and huskies. If you have a cat, it probably brings home special "trophies" for you. Your footloose nature may require you to forgo being a pet owner until you're ready to settle down.

Capricorn (December 22 - January 19)
You're status-conscious, so that fluffy white dog of yours probably has a pedigree. If admiring glances from your neighbors aren't enough, show him off at dog shows and you may win a prize. The Goat loves to mountain climb, so a nimble-footed breed like a collie works well as a companion. Dogs and cats bring out your latent nurturing side and help lure you to the comforts of home -- a plus for a sign that tends to work too much.

Aquarius (January 20 - February 18)
Aquarians sometime take a while to warm up to having a pet. You may see it as interfering with your freedom. Start with an independent creature like a lizard or turtle, then work up to a mostly outdoor cat. Some of you, however, actually like animals better than people -- that passionate dog breeder is likely an Aquarian. Hosting a rotating cast of weird and wonderful creatures like ferrets and llamas is your idea of fun. Birds also set your spirit free.

Pisces (February 19 - March 20)
An aquarium filled with tetras and angelfish is a natural for the sign of the Fishes. But your compassionate sign is also a soft touch for the sick, the old and the weary. The neighbor who took in that half-starved, 11-year-old abandoned cat is undoubtedly a Pisces. As a child, you rescued birds with broken wings and squirrels fallen out of trees. You'll heal and beautify an animal until it's barely recognizable -- and grateful for life!

About the Author
Simone Butler is an intuitive astrologer with more than 20 years of experience in helping people engage with the mystery of their lives. She has taught many astrology classes and workshops. Her daily forecasts are featured in the Starscroll, and her articles have appeared in The Mountain Astrologer magazine. She has worked with 12 Signs, Inc. since 1992. Simone lives in a rural hideaway in Escondido, California with her cat, Queen Bess.