Welcome to Willow Paws canine massage

At Willow Paws, I offer mobile, in-home canine massage therapy designed to support your dog’s comfort, mobility, and overall wellness. Whether they’re entering their golden years, recovering from activity, managing special needs, or working hard by your side.

In addition to massage, I also offer Reiki sessions for pets of all ages, with a focus on senior care, hospice support, and end-of-life comfort. Reiki creates a loving, healing bridge between body, heart, and soul, helping your pet find peace, ease, and connection, especially when words are not enough.

Whether your pet is adjusting to changes, managing pain, or preparing to say goodbye, both massage and Reiki offer a calming, nurturing presence to help them through every season of life.

I am also a Connecticut Licensed Massage Therapist, bringing an even deeper understanding of body mechanics, muscle function, and therapeutic touch to every canine session.

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Certified and Insured Member of Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals

Registered Professional Member of the International Association of Animal Massage & Bodywork

Professional Member of the International Association of Holistic Animal Practitioners

Member of the International Association for Animal Hospice and Palliative Care

Member of the International Association for Animal Hospice and Palliative Care

“The kindness one does for one animal may not change the world, but it will change the world of that one animal.” – Unknown

Testimonials

  • ★★★★★

    Margherita Lavorgna has been a true blessing for our beloved Old English Sheepdog, Chico. Initially starting as his pet sitter, Margherita has seamlessly transitioned into his dedicated physical therapist as he battles osteoarthritis in his senior years. Her thrice-weekly sessions have been nothing short of miraculous. Margherita’s deep connection with Chico is evident in her ability to read his discomfort and address his pain points with precision. Her holistic approach, combining laser therapy with massages and Reiki, has significantly improved Chico’s quality of life. We couldn’t be more grateful for her expertise and compassion.”

    - Jose Garaycocchea

  • ★★★★★

    “Margherita is the absolute best! Her empathetic nature translates wonderfully into canine massage. She treats my two elderly dogs with the highest respect and caring and they absolutely love her and the massage sessions. Highly recommend!!!💕”

    -Kate Pinto Smith


  • ★★★★★

    “My dog Sadie was diagnosed with wobblers syndrome in 2019. I thought massages would help. Margarita came into our lives before Sadie had surgery in January,2020. Sadie was having bad days. After a session with Margarita Sadie was a happy girl and wanted to play. The sessions really helped. Margarita came back after Sadie healed a bit from surgery. Sadie loves seeing her friend coming and really enjoys her massages. Sadie was also having a hard time getting up from a laying or sitting position. With the massages Sadie improved. Margarita is very professional and informational. I highly recommend her.”

    - Diane Randeau Stott


  • ★★★★★

    “Margherita is wonderful! She has been working with my puppy, Midgie. Midgie has breathing difficulties due to a diaphragmatic hernia, she was also born with four deformed legs. She lost the ability to walk last fall when she was a little over a year old. Margherita has been working with her for about six weeks now, and in that time I can see huge differences in her ability to pull her self up on her front legs and get a round quite a bit. Maggie loves Margherita. When we first get to an appointment, she couldn't wag her tail any harder when she sees her. But only minutes into her massage, she rests her little head on her paws and gives a big sigh and completely enjoys it. She is super gentle and loving as she works on Midgie, I feel so fortunate to have found her to help me with my puppy.”

    - Deb Petrichko