What's your animal of the year?

Did you know that 2010 is the year of a Tiger? People who are turning 12, 24, 36, 48 and so on this year were born during Tiger year. My parents are both Tigers. Actually, this type of animal calendar is very popular in Ukraine. Everyone knows what animal he or she is. I am a dog, for example. Apparently, each animal year "gives" you certain character features. I believe a lot of the descriptions are true, at least for my year (you can find those online).
Below you can see a very helpful chart--click to enlarge.


Here is the story that Katya brought from her Japanese culture class about Junishi (The twelve horary signs).

Once upon a time, long ago, God in Heaven announced to all the animals that he would choose twelve from among them for a special task. That task would be for each animal, in turn, to protect human beings for one year. He told them that they should come to him on January 12 and that he would decide their order on a first come basis.
The animals waited eagerly for this day. However, it seems that the cat had for some time been very forgetful and did not remember the day himself. Tha cat ran into the rat along the way but the rat wanted to be first, "I'm too slow, I have to leave tonight or I'll never get there on time", she said. The the rat who was very cunning had a clever idea. He concealed himself on the cow's back among her things. They travelled all night until they reached God's palace. The cow was very happy thinking that she would be the first but, just then the rat jumped in front of her, and the cow ended up second.
The next day the cat came hurrying the palace but alas, even though the cat knew he had been deceived by the rat, he was left out of the group of twelve animals. It is because of this cats and rats, to this day, don't get along.

Ha! And now you know the truth:)

So I want to find out what your animal year is!