The Heart of Heal Up Pup
Mimzy Buttercup Brown Foster
In Loving Memory
IVDD & Golden Years Care
ORIGIN STORY
Mimzy Brown’s story began in a humane shelter, where she was lifted across the counter like a bag of bones — skinny, sunburned, and losing her fur. Her new mom saw something special in those scared eyes and brought her home to heal. With love, good food, and endless patience, Mimzy transformed from fragile to full of life.
MOST Favorite Things
Mimzy loved doodling around — her signature pastime that meant gathering every toy, sock, and slipper she could find and arranging them in her “dog nest.” She also loved digging in the earth for worms (and flinging them triumphantly across the yard) and taking her old-dog walk around the block. Those slow, sniff-filled strolls were her joy.
Least Favorite Things
Mimzy wasn’t much for big adventures or high-energy play. She preferred quiet company, soft beds, and home routines. Her dislike of wheelchairs was legendary — she much preferred her dignified “push cart rides.”
“Find a way to go to the park — even if it means having your mom push you in a cart.”
Functional Limitations
At age 14, Mimzy’s IVDD symptoms progressed.
She developed hind-limb weakness and began experiencing bladder and bowel incontinence.
Her mom — an animal physical therapist — quickly realized that despite her professional training, there was still so much more to learn about keeping an aging, disabled dog safe and comfortable at home.
“She taught me more about healing than any textbook ever could.”
“Even experts are students when it comes to love and loss.”
Each act of care becomes a bridge;
a connection between a pet and a pet parent.
How Heal Up Pup Was Born
Mimzy became her mom’s greatest teacher.
Through her, Sasha learned how to:
Create a bed setup that protected skin from moisture and pressure
Arrange her meal area for balance, stability, and confidence
Adapt walks into gentle push-cart outings (wheelchair not approved!)
Feed smaller, more frequent meals for better energy and appetite
With her vet, use at-home fluids and regular bloodwork to sustain health and comfort
These lessons — learned in real time, through love and trial, with her skills as an animal physical therapist — became the foundation of Heal Up Pup, a resource built to guide other pet parents through the same challenges with compassion and clarity.
“I felt stressed when my mom felt bad. When she learned things to help me, then we were both happy again!”
Healing isn’t about giving up what you love;
it’s about discovering new ways to keep joy in motion.
Legacy of Love
On her final day, Mimzy looked at her mom with calm, knowing eyes — as if to say, “Today I’m ready to cross the Rainbow Bridge.”
Her courage and humor continue to guide Heal Up Pup. Every story shared, every lesson taught, carries her quiet wisdom: healing isn’t just physical — it’s emotional, adaptable, and shared.
“Love is the most important thing — it keeps our pet parents walking forward, even when our pup paws have gone ahead.”
Mimzy’s favorite tips for caregivers
Keep bedding soft, absorbent, and easy to clean.
Hydration and meals are a special time of nuturing.
Gentle movement is still movement — even a few steps matter.
Celebrate the small wins — a tail wag, a yummy meal, a nap in the sun.
Every challenge our dogs face is a new opportunity;
a chance to learn, adapt, and connect.
join the community
In the future, you and your pup can join Mimzy in the Heal Up Pup community.