Certified Canine Massage Therapist / Pet Loss & Grief Companioning Certified

Hello! I’m Margherita, the heart of Willow Paws Pet Services. With years of experience working in both the pet crematorium and animal hospital fields, I bring a deep understanding of the bond we share with our pets and the emotional challenges we face when they age or cross the rainbow bridge. I specialize in providing gentle, holistic services to dogs of all ages—especially seniors and those needing extra TLC.

From a young age, I’ve always had a deep love for animals. I remember dreaming of becoming a veterinarian as a child. Although I didn’t pursue that path, I spent 10 years working in the animal hospital field as a receptionist and technician assistant. I was also a pet sitter and dog walker—my life truly revolved around animals. I later began working in a pet crematorium as a client care representative. I worked with families over the phone and in person.

My journey into massage therapy began when I injured my back in a fall. As part of my rehabilitation, I received massage therapy and immediately felt the profound benefits it offered. This experience sparked my interest, and I decided to pursue it further.

I enrolled in The Connecticut Center for Massage Therapy in Newington, CT in 2014, and during my studies, one of my instructors introduced me to massage therapy for animals. While I am a strong advocate for human massage, I felt a calling to specialize in Canine Massage. This led me to earn my certification in Canine Myo-Manipulative Functional Therapy. The techniques I learned, rooted in human massage therapy, are adapted specifically for dogs and involve extensive study of canine anatomy, physiology, pathology, and kinesiology.

My passion lies in helping both humans and animals, and I am deeply committed to holistic healing practices. Along with my canine massage certification, I am a Reiki practitioner, Reflexology practitioner, and have completed Small Animal Acupressure training through Tallgrass Animal Acupressure. Completed training for Companion Animal Laser Therapy and Cold Laser Therapy through The American Institute of Medical Laser Applications and Holistic Animal Studies. I also received my certification in Pet Loss & Grief Companioning from Two Hearts Pet Loss Center.

In addition to these modalities, I am a self-taught herbalist and have expanded my knowledge through coursework with the Herbal Academy. I am constantly learning and exploring new ways to support the well-being of those in need, whether human or animal.

I am a member of the Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals. A member of The International Association of Animal Massage and Bodywork (IAAMB). A member of the International Association for Animal Hospice and Palliative Care and a member of the International Association of Holistic Animal Practitioners.


Meet Willow

This is my girl Willow. I adopted her from the New Haven Pound back in 2005. She was a puppy that they found as a stray. She was afraid of everything and it took a lot of work to build up her confidence. She became my shadow. She was always with me through many of life’s challenges. She was the best girl and I will never forget her. And, this is where the name Willow Paws comes from. I dedicate my business to her. Dogs provide something humans can’t. What would we do without dogs?

My Cats: Tigress, Nala and Raisin