About Pawsitive Relations - Education for Pet Parents & Professionals
About Marta L. De Fex– Founder of Pawsitive Relations
Hi, I’m Marta — founder of Pawsitive Relations and a lifelong animal lover!
For as long as I can remember, animals have been at the center of my world. My journey began in the field of Nutrition and Dietetics, where I worked in healthcare, including oncology, supporting people through some of life’s most difficult moments. During that time, I also taught community classes on how healthy choices can improve quality of life. These experiences taught me the power of compassion, connection, and well-being — values that now guide the way I educate and advocate for animals and their people.
I’m an educator, speaker, and passionate believer in the human–animal bond. With a background in business management, event planning, and public health, including nutrition education and wellness outreach, I spent years leading workshops and community classes throughout the Houston area
In 2012, I followed my heart and founded Pawsitive Relations — a company dedicated to empowering pet parents and pet care professionals with knowledge, kindness, and heart. My goal is simple: to help people PAWS, LEARN, and LOVE — building respectful, informed, and compassionate relationships with the animals in their care.
I truly believe that education is one of the most powerful ways we can improve animal welfare and reduce the overpopulation of homeless pets. Because when we know better, we do better — for ourselves and for our pets.
My Training & Experience
Along the way, I’ve continued to grow through certifications and hands-on experience:
🐾 Pet Tech® Instructor – Teaching Pet CPR, First Aid, and Safety to improve pets’ lives one informed pet parent at a time.
🐕 Certified TTouch® Practitioner – Using a gentle, respectful method known worldwide to support behavior, health, and emotional balance in animals.
💆♀️ Certified Canine Therapeutic Massage Therapist – Trained by the Rocky Mountain School of Animal Acupressure and Massage (RMSAAM).
❤️ Volunteer & Public Speaker – Since 2012, I’ve volunteered with the Houston SPCA, speaking to scout troops, shelters, churches, and schools about humane education and canine communication.
Topics I Love to Teach
Pet safety and manners for kids around dogs
Understanding canine calming signals and body language
Positive reinforcement training and communication
Senior pet care and navigating the end-of-life process with empathy
At the Heart of It All
Every pet deserves an educated, empathetic human by their side. Through classes, workshops, and outreach, I aim to make that belief a reality — one person, one pet, one community at a time.
I live in Houston with my husband and our beloved German Shepherd. Outside of work, I enjoy the gym, Italian culture, gardening, and spending time in nature. I’m fully bilingual in English and Spanish, and conversational in Italian.
At the heart of everything I do is one belief: every pet deserves an educated, empathetic human by their side. That’s what inspires me to keep teaching, learning, and sharing — one person, one pet, one community at a time.
Our Story-Meet Marta
Our Mission
To empower pet owners and pet care professionals through education that is open to all, easy to understand, and practical to apply. At the heart of our teaching is a commitment to nurturing kindness, empathy, responsibility, and respect for animals—helping people care with compassion and confidence. By making knowledge inclusive and approachable, we strengthen the human–animal bond, prevent neglect and abandonment, and inspire safer, kinder communities for future generations.
Our Vision
We envision a world where every pet is valued, respected, and cared for with kindness, empathy, and responsibility. We see compassionate communities where the human–animal bond is cherished, abandonment is rare, and people of all ages grow in understanding and empathy. By nurturing future generations, we strive toward a society where pets and people thrive together in safety, connection, and mutual respect—fostering peaceful coexistence and reducing violence through compassion.
Why Pet Education Matters
Education isn’t just about skills — it’s about building stronger connections. Every class, consultation, and workshop is designed to give people the confidence to act in emergencies, the awareness to prevent problems before they start, and the understanding to create lasting, respectful bonds with their pets.
“I truly believe that education is one of the most powerful ways we can improve animal welfare and reduce the overpopulation of homeless pets.”
When we know better, we do better — for ourselves and our pets.
“Together we can PAWS, LEARN AND LOVE.”
Together we can create a lifetime of trust, joy, and Pawsitive Relationships for you, your family, and your four-legged ones.
"Mrs. Marta, I speak for everyone when I say THANK YOU for the opportunity to learn Pet CPR & First Aid. The hands on approach and one on one interactions you gave us made the learning so interesting!!"
Thank you!
Hugo P.
The City of Houston | BARC Animal Shelter & Adoptions
★★★★★
