Meet Margherita

The Heart Behind Willow Paws

Hi, I'm Margherita, the owner of Willow Paws.

I became a Certified Canine Massage Therapist in 2019, but Willow Paws has grown into something much more meaningful to me than simply providing massage sessions.

Over the years, I've had the privilege of working with dogs of different ages, personalities, abilities, and comfort levels.

Some were active dogs who benefited from regular bodywork.

Some were nervous dogs who taught me that trust has to come before touch.

And many were seniors whose changing bodies required patience, creativity, and a willingness to let go of what a massage session was “supposed” to look like.

Those dogs changed the way I work.

And they ultimately changed the direction of Willow Paws.

Why Senior Dogs?

There's something incredibly special about an old dog.

The gray faces.

The slower walks.

The routines they've perfected over a lifetime.

The way their families know every expression, every habit, every little change.

But loving a senior dog also means adapting as their needs change.

Things that were once effortless can become more difficult. A favorite staircase may suddenly require hesitation. Hardwood floors can become challenging. Getting into the car may take some assistance. A dog who once jumped onto the couch without thinking may begin looking to you for help.

And sometimes their families are left wondering:

What can I do to make things easier?

That question has become an important part of the work I want to do through Willow Paws.

My goal isn't to stop aging.

It's to help support comfort, dignity, connection, and quality of life throughout it.

The Dogs Who Taught Me

Much of what I know about working with dogs didn't come from a textbook alone.

It came from the dogs themselves.

Dogs who didn't want to lie down.

Dogs who needed to walk around between a few minutes of massage.

Dogs who weren't ready to trust me yet.

Dogs whose bodies could no longer comfortably move into traditional positions.

Dogs who surprised their families by eventually falling asleep during a session.

And dogs whose needs changed dramatically as they grew older.

They taught me something that remains at the center of Willow Paws today:

The dog gets a say.

I don't believe a successful canine massage requires a perfectly still dog lying quietly on a massage table.

Some dogs stand.

Some lie on their favorite bed.

Some change positions.

Some wander away and come back.

Some need breaks.

And sometimes the most productive thing I can do is sit quietly and allow a dog to decide whether they're ready for me.

I meet them where they are.

A Consent-Based Approach

Dogs communicate constantly.

A turned head.

A shift in posture.

A lick of the lips.

Moving closer.

Moving away.

A deep sigh.

Closing their eyes.

Getting up and leaving.

I believe those signals deserve to be respected.

That's why my approach to canine massage is gentle, adaptable, and consent-based.

Your dog is never expected to tolerate touch simply because a massage session has been scheduled.

Trust matters more than completing a routine.

Comfort matters more than keeping a dog in one position.

And the relationship I develop with your dog matters just as much to me as the techniques I use.

More Than Massage

As my senior clients grew older, I became increasingly interested in everything surrounding their comfort, not only what happened during our massage sessions.

How were they getting up?

Were slippery floors becoming difficult?

Could they still get into the car?

Were they comfortable where they slept?

Did their families have the tools and information they needed as mobility changed?

That curiosity is helping Willow Paws grow beyond canine massage into a broader resource for senior-dog comfort, mobility, and wellness.

I'm continuing my education in areas that complement this work, including canine arthritis awareness, mobility equipment, home comfort, supportive wellness, and the emotional experience of caring for aging animals.

I don't provide veterinary rehabilitation, diagnose medical conditions, or replace your veterinarian.

Instead, I believe the best support happens when everyone stays within their professional role and works toward the same goal:

Helping your dog live as comfortably and fully as possible.

My Professional Background

My education in both animal and human massage has given me a strong foundation in anatomy, physiology, bodywork, professional ethics, and the importance of adapting touch to the individual.

My professional background and continuing education include:

• Certified Canine Massage Therapist - Holistic Animal Studies

• Connecticut Licensed Massage Therapist

• Usui Reiki Master

• Companion Animal Cold Laser Certification - the American Institute of Medical Laser Applications

• Walkin' Wheels Certification

• Continuing education in canine arthritis management

• Professional member of The International Association of Animal Massage and Bodywork (IAAMB)

• Professional member of the Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals

• Professional member of the International Association for Animal Hospice and Palliative Care

• Paw Prosper Professional Partner

• Ongoing education in senior canine comfort, mobility, and wellness

Continuing education is important to me, but credentials are only part of the picture.

Every dog I work with teaches me something, too.

Supporting the Person at the Other End of the Leash

Senior-dog care isn't only about the dog.

It's also about the person who loves them.

Watching an animal you've shared years of your life with begin to change can bring worry, uncertainty, frustration, laughter, sadness, and enormous love - sometimes all in the same day.

You may find yourself constantly wondering whether you're doing enough.

Willow Paws is meant to be a supportive place for that part of the journey, too.

Through hands-on services, educational resources, practical information, and compassionate support, I hope to help families feel a little less overwhelmed as they navigate their dog's changing needs.

You know your dog better than anyone.

My role is to listen - to both of you.

Where Willow Paws Is Going

Willow Paws began with canine massage.

Its next chapter is about something bigger:

Helping senior dogs live more comfortably and helping their people support them along the way.

That means continuing the hands-on work I love while expanding Willow Paws to include senior-dog education, mobility and home-comfort resources, caregiver support, trusted resources, and collaboration with veterinary and other qualified animal-care professionals.

Senior dogs will remain at the heart of this work.

Because getting older doesn't make a dog any less deserving of comfort, curiosity, joy, respect or a really good belly rub.

Senior dogs are my specialty. Dogs of all ages are always welcome.

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