Lavanya Murugesan’s path to canine wellness blends science, mindfulness, art, and heart. Born in Chennai, India, she moved to Anchorage, Alaska, as a teenager — trading tropical heat for snow-covered peaks and discovering a love for quiet presence and nature. With a master’s degree in electrical engineering in hand, Lavanya built a career rooted in precision and analysis, but always felt drawn toward deeper connection and service.
Along the way, she became a certified yoga instructor (200+ hours of training), explored the tactile world of pottery (as documented by Rain City Clay) and ultimately found her calling in animal bodywork. She is now a board-certified canine massage and acupressure practitioner, trained at the Northwest School of Animal Massage (NWSAM), offering in-home therapeutic sessions throughout the Seattle and Kent area.
Service Rooted in Volunteering Lavanya’s commitment to animals began at Regional Animal Services of King County (RASKC), where she has been volunteering since 2019. Lavanya quickly advanced from a “blue” dog walker to “red” mentor in just two months — and was promoted to one of the first Dog Walker Skills Assessors, recognized in RASKC’s bulletin as an “outstanding new volunteer.” Her conscientious mentorship and detailed feedback have helped train dozens of new volunteers.
“I’m surrounded by an incredible team — compassionate, kind, and always ready to help. And the dogs — they’re incredible creatures with unique personalities who give me lots of joy just to be around them.” — Source: RASKC Sept 2019.
In parallel, Lavanya’s love of animals became personal when she adopted a one-year-old Mastiff/Lab mix from RASKC, her faithful companion and “co-pilot for life.” Her experience as adopter, volunteer, and practitioner gives her deep insight into the human-dog bond. "Lava and Boomer started with Barn Hunting and became world champion"
A Philosophy of Mindful Care Describing herself as “an ordinary gal trying to live a mindful life and appreciate all that life has to offer,” Lavanya enjoys hiking the Pacific Northwest trails, baking sourdough, writing handwritten letters to pen pals, and exploring new skills in pottery and yoga. Through Loving Pawse, she brings these values into every session — helping dogs rediscover calm, balance, and connection, one heartbeat and one paw at a time.
Lavanya believes healing begins with connection, not control — one heartbeat, one paw at a time.