Many people in Marbella know that I go everywhere with my Chihuahua Fernando. And if I am alone at some event people ask me about my Chihuahua, if he is all right. We are one team! Many invitations I receive, I ask if they are for my Chihuahua as well! 

This time my mother and I travelled to Milan with Fernando, our Chihuahua, through Barcelona. My mother made 6 different outfits for him to prepare him for the cold weather in Milan. Fernando is a Marbella Chihuahua, who has never felt the cold weather. And it was his first trip in an airplane, so I was a little bit worried, but thankfully he used to be in public all he time he made no problems at the airport or inside the aircraft. He was very relaxed and even made few friends at the Barcelona airport, at the garden we you can walk dogs.

All of our family in Italy were very happy to see Fernando and he had a very active social life in Milan. Every morning we went to the park to meet other dogs and had breakfast at cafeteria where all the dogs can go after their walks. We visited my fiancé's friend and even to his meeting, to the Doumo, Gallery, Monte Napoleone , we could walk with our Chihuahua. At my boyfriend's nephew's 1-year birthday party Fernando was also having a very good time. And altogether we had a such a wonderful time with our family. 

On the boxing day Fernando was even doing charity. As my boyfriend organised a Charity X'mas Lunch for the senior citizen who has no family. Every year many young volunteers participate! And we went to visit a few people who didn't join the lunch, to deliver their X'mas presents and check if they all were ok. We visited 3 houses and all of them loved to see Fernando. I will never forget how they smiled and looked so happy holding little Chihuahua in their arms. Pure innocent love will reach everybody's heart. I was very happy and proud to be a part of my boyfriend's charity activity with my Chihuahua. This is really the best way to spend a boxing day on Christmas. 

In my country, Japan, for many years now some volunteers groups visit the senior homes with well trained dogs. It works as therapy and the dogs keep them company. Many of them look forward to their next visit and some of them start walking alone because they are so happy to walk and play with dogs!

I believe harmony in our life. When we were all little we had so many people taking care of us, all the adult people around us protected us and gave us a guidance. Now I am in that age when I can give something back to people who gave me protection. I was born in a country that promises safety and gives clean water to drink, food to eat and a chance to have good education. Everyday I try to remember that I am a very few lucky one in this world who has opportunity to live my life like I wish for it to be!

If one small Chihuahua can make many people happy then imagine what we can do with our lives!!

I wish you all the best for 2012 and ever body will have time to be with their loved ones!

Saeko Hamada