I was born and grew up in a Japanese suburb as a daughter of a typical middle class family. When I was an 8 year-old, one story caught my eyes. It was Born Free. A story about an orphan lioness who was raised by humans - Joy and George Adamson - and returned to the wild. I read it again and again. I learned of Joy and George's unfortunate deaths and their tough marriage later on, but Kenya was my dream destination in my childhood.

I always had a dog when I was growing up in Japan but had never adopted one. Sadly, animal adoption was not common over there and still not. I had no idea what was going on to dogs and cats who needed a home until I came to America in 1999. After I adopted Fifi in 2002, I started thinking if there was something I could do to help those animals in need.

When I started learning about animals in need - domestic or wild - environmental issues come along. Then again, I started thinking if there is something I could do with this situation.

At the same time, I always wonder if I really could make a change. I am just a person who lives in a little town of North Bend, Washington, not even a vegan or vegetarian like many animal activists, still have some leather items around me, could be more careful about reuse and recycle things... But now, I am aware of things I need to pay attention to. And if I could send this message to people out there, then something may happen for good.

We are all united. If I could be good to animals or Mother Nature, then they would be good to me too. My grandmother used to say, "If you don't like to be treated that way, then don't do it to anyone." I think this is so true.