Welcome!

If you feel a deep, soulful bond with animals—and believe they bring something magical to our lives—you’re in exactly the right place.

The Pawsitive Impact Newsletter is a heartfelt space for kindred spirits who understand that animals are more than just pets—they're family, teachers, healers, and guides. Here, you’ll find uplifting stories, science-backed insights, and thought-provoking reflections on how our relationships with animals support our health, happiness, and longevity.

Whether you’re here for comfort, curiosity, or community, I hope each post brings more joy, connection, and meaning to your life—and a deeper appreciation for the animals who walk beside you.

Why Subscribe?

Because you get it—you know our animal companions aren’t “just pets.” They’re part of our story, part of our hearts. If you’re nodding along, then this growing community of compassionate animal lovers is your tribe.

Here’s what you’ll receive when you join:

🐾 Free Subscribers Receive:

  • The Weekly Pawsitive Impact Post
    Inspiring stories + thoughtful reflections, often with an unexpected twist of humor or wisdom.

  • Heartwarming Photos & Animal Moments
    Because sometimes, one picture can say it all.

  • The Monthly Pawsitive Highlights Round-Up
    Includes Animal Fan Facts, a monthly recipe from the Plant Based Pantry, Animals in the news and so much more!

🐾 Paid Subscribers Also Receive:

All of the freebies above PLUS…

  • Narrated Audio Editions
    Listen on the go, or while cuddling your fur-friend.

  • My Deepest Gratitude
    Your support helps me continue writing, advocating for animals, and spreading this important message.

Who Am I?

I'm Carlyn Montes De Oca—multi-award-winning author, international speaker, and passionate advocate for the human-animal bond.

Once upon a time, I was an assistant film editor on movies like Honey, I Shrunk the Kids and Three Men and a Little Lady. Later, I became a licensed acupuncturist with a Master’s in Traditional Chinese Medicine.

But neither path felt complete. Something vital was missing.

That “something” was animals.

Today, I combine everything I’ve learned to spotlight the extraordinary ways animals support our physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. And I created this space to share those discoveries with you.

Let’s stay connected. Let’s share stories. Let’s celebrate animals—and the people who love them.

Join the community, comment on posts, or become a paid subscriber and help keep this pawsitive movement going.

Every new post is sent straight to your inbox—no spam, no ads. For a smoother reading and listening experience, get the Substack app.

With love and gratitude,
Carlyn MDO 💜

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Subscribe to Pawsitive Impact

How animals help shape us, benefit our wellbeing, and affect our world in a positive way. Brought to you by Animal-Human Health Expert and Award-winning author Carlyn Montes De Oca.

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Animal advocate and award-winning author of Dog as My Doctor Cat as My Nurse, Junkyard Girl, and Pawsitive Impact, a newsletter about the power of the human-animal bond.