By Iluminado Varela Jr.
The new year is known as the Year of the Dog.
Although highly regarded in the Orient or East, the dog gets unkind words and insults from the Westerners who say the dog is man’s best friend.
The English language has colorful but cruel words and thoughts for the dog – the 11th of the 12 animal in the Chinese lunar sign.
What does the West say when he wants a fellow man to deteriorate or degenerate? “Go to the dogs.” A low and contemptible fellow is “a dog.” A wretched existence is a “dog’s life.” “Dog days” are hot and uncomfortable days.