This is my cat, Fifi, sleeping in her little bed, when she was two-month-old. I adopted her from the Human Society in Bellevue, WA in June 2002. Since then, she's been bringing me a lot of fun and joy.

Animal adoption was not common in my home country Japan (I think it still has not, unfortunately..), so I did not know what to expect when I went to look for a kitty. I saw many cats and dogs who were desperately waiting for someone to come and take them home. That was the beginning of knowing animals in need.

My husband adopted two cats already - Skittles and Samantha - before we met so we were one couple with three cats. Then we adopted Charly (Airedale Terrier and Old English Sheep Dog cross, his name spells funny this is how it is spelled.) in 2003 and Gino (Black Lab and some big shaggy dog cross) in 2004, both from the Humane Society in Bellevue, WA. Now three cats, two dogs and two human beings are in one house.

There are many animals that ended up in shelters with no fault of their own. Some get adopted quickly, some stay long, and some are put to sleep. At the same time, there are many wild animals that are endangered because of illegal hunting, bush meat trade, or loss of habitats. And we, human beings, are facing serious environmental issues.

I created this web site hoping this would raise our awareness. I used to be a person who was not aware of what was going on around me. And I am just a person who wouldn't be able to make any changes on my own. But if I keep trying to raise people's awareness little by little, a small change could start.

We humans are one of those creatures who live on Earth. We make a pack, have a family, raise kids and learn to survive like other animals. It wouldn't be a bad idea to care for other living creatures now.

Welcome to Animal United.