So what is a Foo Dog? It is best explained in Wikipedia:

Foo Dog or Fu Dog refers to any of the following closely related Dog breeds originating in ancient China which resemble the Chinese guardian lions and hence are also called Lion Dogs.

Chinese guardian lions, also called Fu (Foo) Lions, lions of Buddha, or sometimes stone lions in Chinese, are a common representation of the lion in pre-modern China, which is believed to have powerful mythic protective powers that has traditionally stood in front of Chinese Imperial palaces, temples, emperors’ tombs, government offices, and the homes of government officials and the wealthy from the Han Dynasty (206 BC-220 AD), until the end of the empire in 1911.

Lions of Fo are always created in pairs, with the male playing with a ball and the female with a cub. They occur in many types of Chinese pottery and in Western imitations.

Pairs of Chinese guardian lions, also called Chinese stone lions are still common decorative and symbolic elements at the entrances to restaurants, hotels, supermarkets and other structures, with one sitting on each side of the entrance, in China and in other places around the world where the Chinese people have immigrated and settled specially in local Chinatowns. In Tibet, the guardian lion is known as a Snow Lion and similar to Japanese shishi. In Myanmar they are called Chinthe and gave their name to the World War II Chindit.

Read more about Foo Dogs at Wikipedia

Swami Dogananda
Patron of flea ridden homeless dogs who has vowed to stay in embodiment until all dogs are adopted into good homes.

To see more unusual greeting cards visit:
http://www.zazzle.com/planetcalamari

Chinese New Year always falls on the second new moon after the winter solstice. The 2010 Year of the White Metal Tiger begins on February 14.

Metal is one of the five Taoist elements. The color white is associated with metal. The other elements and their colors are water-black, fire-red, earth-yellow, and wood-green.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Metal is the element which rules the respiratory system and the lungs. Water rules the kidneys and bladder. Fire rules the heart and pericardium. Wood rules the liver and gall bladder and Earth rules the spleen and stomach.
The Tiger is associated with good fortune, power, and royalty. It is viewed with both fear and respect; hence, their protection and wisdom is sought after. Many people believe the tiger, and not the lion, is the true king of beasts.

According to legend, tigers live one thousand years. Half way through life at age five hundred, they turn white. Tigers are believed to scare off thieves, ghosts, and fires.
To learn more about Chinese New Year traditions and zodiac signs visit the website below.

click here

Valentines Day is just around the corner…..dare to be different this year! Here are just a few of items from the Tao of Dog collection.
To see more unique art on clothing and gifts for the home or office please visit the Tao of Dog Galleria

This Peace Love Paws zen design is one of Planet Calamari’s most recent additions of canine art. A unique gift for all those zen inspired pet lovers.

Swami Dog-ananda is the patron of all homeless, flea ridden dogs. In shelters devotees of this Master place a biscuit at his image in hopes of finding a new home. Others chant his mantra….Home Please find me a Hooooooome. Swami Dog-ananda has stayed in embodiment until all dogs find homes. Go to your local shelter and adopt a dog. Good DOGma…Good Karma.

What is the sound of one paw clapping? All dogs are Zen masters!

To see art inspired by acupuncture, meditation, peace and absurd ideas please visit the Planet Calamari online shoppe

Year of the Dog 2006 USA postage stamp

Year of the Dog stamp from Gambia

Year of the Dog stamp from Dominica

Wolf Dog like a German Shepard Souvenir Sheet of Art by Liu Jiyou 1918-1983 for the Chinese Lunar New Year of the Dog Puppy Wolf or Canine for 2006 from Micronesia

Two Hounds Souvenir Sheet by Hui-Tsung 1082 for the Chinese Lunar New Year of the Dog Puppy Wolf or Canine for 2006 from Grenada.

Dog Paintings Sheet of 4 by Chang Dai-Chien 1899-1983 for the Chinese Lunar New Year of the Dog Puppy Wolf or Canine for 2006 from Grenada Grenadines

The Lunar Chinese New Year 2010 begins on February 14th when the year of the Tiger starts.

2006 was the Year of the Dog. While searching for canine art to incorporate into our website, i came across the Year of the Dog postage stamps from around the world. I will be posting several of these stunning images for the next few days. Enjoy!

From Nevis
Dog Sheet of 4 of Art by Ren Xun 1835-1893 for the Chinese Lunar New Year of the Dog Puppy Wolf or Canine for 2006