About

Lela Kodai LaCroix

Owner/Founder

I am a huge dog lover with a big heart for all dogs, especially seniors and Dachshunds. Having spent many years in an office-based tech career, I reached a burnout point and decided to shift gears to a more rewarding path. I wanted to pursue a career where I could work with my hands and make a direct, positive change. Encouraged by my husband to find a way to work with one of my greatest sources of joy, dogs, I found the Northwest School of Animal Massage and knew immediately I wanted to be a dog massage therapist. I was elated at the prospect!

To start my journey, I enrolled at the NW School of Animal Massage. The course included topics like Dog Behavior, Kinesiology, Skeletal and Muscle Anatomy, as well as Swedish Massage techniques. After months of hard work and practice, I became a Certified Small Animal Massage Practitioner (CSAMP) in September 2021. Since then I have logged well over 200+ hours of hands-on work with dogs of all sizes, from 6 lbs up to 138 lbs!

I strive to create and maintain a safe, cozy, gentle atmosphere while doing canine bodywork. There is never any push, rush, or force involved in getting a dog to “accept” massage therapy. The best outcomes require allowing the dog to dictate how the massages go. We build a trusting relationship over time, and that pays dividends in tension relief and happiness levels. Every interaction I have with these very important pooches is in service of their comfort, their benefit, and our shared safety and happiness.

I currently live in SE Portland with my partner Leo, and our black & tan shorthair dachshund, Fionna.

I look forward to meeting your very important pooch, and helping them be their most active, pain-free, and happy selves.

(P.S. Never fear, I am also an insured member of the Association of Bodywork and Massage Professionals.)