Sylvia Reads the Stars: It's the season of love for four-legged Aries

Greetings and salutations on this vernal equinox! Hope you've found a spring in your step and a tasty stick in your yard. My name is Madam Sylvia, and I’ll be your astrologer this lunar cycle. I am a wise old shelter mutt with a heart of pure gold. Disclaimer: I have no desire to impose my will onto yours or serve as a foil for your faith. I am a dog. Act accordingly.

Calling all Lakeshore pets! Please send pics of your fine furry (or feathered! or gilled!) self along with an approximate birthdate to: contact@thelakeshorewm.com for possible inclusion in this column!

Vivi is an Aries from Saugatuck who loves to goof around with Jack and Julie Ridl along the Lakeshore. Photo by Jack and Julie Ridl.


Aries Mar 20 – Apr 20
I've never met a dog who doesn't love peanut butter. In fact, playing soccer in the living room with a near-empty jar of Jiff is one of my favorite things! May this spring bring you plenty of what you love, Aries. It’s your season. Each and every day you remind us that being childlike (puppylike?) is a good thing.

Wrangler is 6 years young and available for adoption at Harbor Humane. He says Let the games begin!


Taurus Apr 20 – May 21
I have a friend named Luna who is just a puppy. She always wants to eat tennis balls. I try to tell her that won't end well, but she won't listen. Taurus, it may be time to listen to advice you dislike. Your steadfastness is fabulous. But when it turns into stubborn refusal, you're in for a real tummy ache.


Gemini May 21 – Jun 21
Gosh you're handsome. I mean really, really pretty. They say beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and every beholder at the dog park comments on your coat, your eyes, your playful and peaceful disposition. Eat it up, Gemini. Take a break from your legendary eloquence and soak in the praise.


Cancer Jun 21 – Jul 23
I keep returning to music as a theme in your star chart, my fine Cancerian friend. It's there as the squirrel runs along the fence, that rascal. It's there as the cardinal calls. This spring may you dance and prance down the street to the music in the trees and the skies — and your own melodious mind. 


Leo Jul 23 – Aug 23
What's next, Leo? I can't predict your future, but I can encourage you to do the next right thing toward building a new...something. It's up to you. Please don't dig another hole in the backyard. (Please.) Spring is here and the time is right for you to focus on creative construction.


Virgo Aug 23 – Sep 23
Virgo, all my puppy love to you. I forever feel the need to pat you on your sweet head. Things run smoothly because of you, yet you get overlooked time and time again. Please know I see you; I am grateful for you; I have a treat for you. Who's a good dog!


Libra Sep 23 – Oct 23
Bet you're tired of hearing about balance. The park is for playing, after all, and you really shouldn't have to prove your agility by marching across the balance beam. It's a fine time to run a little wild, Libra. Just don't run away.


Scorpio Oct 23 – Nov 22
They think just because you're a dog you don't know things. But you learn quickly what you need to know when you need to know it. Feel free to hold your head a little higher. In trademark Scorpio style, exude a quiet confidence in your recently gained bevy of knowledge. You can take comfort in your fine mind and compassionate soul...as can we.


Sagittarius Nov 22 – Dec 23
Sadge, your love for your fellow dog is downright contagious. We learn from you how to extend a paw to like-minded and unlike-minded creatures alike. It's as if you understand on a very basic level we are all on the same team and need to unite to fight the real problems of the world. Thank you. And Go Team!


Capricorn Dec 23 – Jan 20
You can dance if you want to. You can leave your friends behind. Cuz your friends don't dance, and if they don't dance, well, they're no friends of mine. Do the Cappy dance!





Aquarius Jan 20 – Feb 18 
The Aquarian is the water bearer. Which is funny since you're always tipping over the water bowl at the dog park. Maybe remember what seems like irresistible fun may have not-so-fun consequences for others.


Pisces Feb 18 – Mar 20
You and your dreamy eyes, Pisces. One look and we are mesmerized by your deep pools of calm and fortitude. All gratitude to you for helping us weather these spring storms with hope, stability, and one paw on the ground.