Carolyn B. Matlack, J.D. has always loved animals, a passion that ultimately shaped the direction of her life and career. At a certain point she realized she wanted to do more than simply care about animals—she wanted to help improve the way they are treated under the law. With that goal in mind, she made the bold decision to leave the corporate world and pursue a Juris Doctorate (J.D.) with a concentration in Animal Law.

She is the author of We’ve Got Feelings Too! Presenting the Sentient (Feeling) Property Solution, a work of creative nonfiction that blends legal insight with elements of autobiography. The book presents a practical perspective on the legal status of animals. While animals are legally classified as property, Carolyn argues that they are fundamentally different from ordinary property such as objects or possessions. Animals are living beings capable of feeling, and they deserve better treatment within the legal system. Through her work, she introduces the Sentient Property Solution, a legal concept designed to encourage courts to recognize animal sentience while working within existing legal frameworks.

Carolyn has been recognized as a pioneer in the field of animal law. She served as Managing Editor and Publisher of the highly regarded Animal Legal Report, the first publication created to inform attorneys about current animal case law and to provide law libraries with research material for students studying this emerging field. She also partnered with Thomson West Corporation, the world’s largest publisher of legal information, to help create the first database dedicated to animal law.

In addition to her legal work, Carolyn is a Professional Dog Trainer and Certified Evaluator for training and testing Canine Good Citizen therapy dogs.

Her hope is that pioneering lawyers will now use the Sentient Property Solution in court to help build a more just world for our animal kin. We’ve Got Feelings Too! serves both as a valuable resource for attorneys and an engaging read for animal lovers who believe the legal system should evolve.