Spreading Joy, One Mission at a Time
Scoops by Maximus is a small, woman-owned business with a deep-rooted purpose.
Our philosophy is simple: our dogs are only in our lives for a short time, so we believe every moment with them matters. Everything we do is centered around helping you create moments of pure happiness with your pup.
We are also dedicated to raising awareness about the rare spine disorder called Bertolotti Syndrome that challenged me, and honoring Maximus, whose unconditional love and incredible support carried me through the toughest days.
Sometimes, the little moments: a wagging tail, a favorite treat, a scoop of ice cream together, become the moments we remember most.
Fun Fact: The logo shows a younger version of Maximus with his current gray hair. Because, even though he's older now, through my eyes, he'll always be a puppy 🐾
Mission-Driven • Small Business • Woman-Owned
Inspired by Maximus
My Story
Scoops by Maximus was inspired by my chocolate Labrador, Maximus, who stood beside me through some of the most difficult years of my life.
While living with Bertolotti Syndrome, a rare congenital spine disorder, I experienced over two decades of hidden physical, emotional, and mental pain. Like many people living with an invisible illness, much of the struggle couldn't be seen by others. There were days when even ordinary activities felt overwhelming, yet Maximus never cared about my limitations. He simply wanted to be by my side.
After undergoing life-changing spine surgery, I gained more than physical relief, I gained a new perspective. The experience reminded me just how precious life truly is and that it's far too short to wait for special occasions before celebrating the people, and dogs, we love.
Maximus taught me that joy isn't found only in life's biggest milestones. It's found in the quiet moments: a walk together, time spent in the backyard, sharing a treat, or simply being present. During my darkest days, his unconditional love reminded me that even when life feels incredibly difficult, there is still joy to be found.
That realization became the heart of Scoops by Maximus.
My Mission
My mission is simple: help people Celebrate Life's Little Moments.
Whether it's celebrating a birthday, welcoming a rescue dog home for its first Gotcha Day, honoring an adoption anniversary, starting a new holiday tradition, making frozen treats together as a family, or simply turning an ordinary Tuesday into something special, I believe these moments matter. They're the memories we carry long after our dogs are gone.
This company is more than just dog ice cream. It's about helping people slow down, celebrate everyday moments, and intentionally create memories with the dogs who give us so much unconditional love. Because our dogs' lives are far too short, and life itself is too precious to take for granted, every ordinary day is worth celebrating.
Scoops by Maximus exists to help create more of those moments.
Built On Science
As a neuroscientist by training with extensive experience in sales and marketing, I bring both technical expertise and commercial strategy to every product I create.
Every ice cream ingredient is selected intentionally through an evidence-based product development process, with safety and quality at the center of every decision, and has also been reviewed by a veterinary nutritionist. At the same time, my commercial experience allows me to build a brand that connects with dog lovers while remaining grounded in trust and transparency.
A Purpose Beyond Ice Cream
Scoops by Maximus also has a mission beyond frozen treats and celebrating life's little moments.
I aim to raise awareness of Bertolotti Syndrome, a condition that remains widely under-recognized despite affecting many people. By sharing my story, I want to encourage conversations about invisible illnesses and inspire people to keep holding on, even when the road ahead feels uncertain and it's hard to imagine things getting better. If sharing my story helps even one person feel seen, find answers, or know that they are not alone, then this business will have served a purpose far greater than making dog ice cream.
As a woman entrepreneur, I'm building this company with resilience, purpose, and a long-term vision. Scoops by Maximus exists because one remarkable dog helped me through the hardest chapter of my life. Now my goal is to help families cherish every chapter they have with theirs: One scoop at a time.
With love,
Kit, Ph.D. & Maximus - Chief Taste Tester 🐾
Why We Support Bertolotti Syndrome
"Scoops by Maximus was inspired by a journey that changed the way I see life.
Living with Bertolotti Syndrome taught me that life's greatest moments are often the smallest ones, and that our dogs remind us to cherish them every day."
>>> What is Bertolotti Syndrome? Bertolotti Syndrome is a rare congenital condition of the lower spine. It occurs when the lowest lumbar vertebra develops differently than usual, creating an abnormal connection, often called a lumbosacral transitional vertebra (LSTV) or “pseudo-joint”, between the spine and the sacrum that causes painful bone-to-bone contact. While many people may have an LSTV without symptoms, it is considered Bertolotti Syndrome only when that anatomical variation becomes painful and contributes to chronic lower back pain. The condition also places additional stress on surrounding joints and discs, leading to degeneration and collateral damage over time. Common symptoms include amongst others: - Chronic lower back pain - Hip or buttock pain - Pain when standing, walking and even when lying down for long periods - Limited mobility - Stiffness - Sciatica-like nerve pain - Pain that can worsen over time Every person's experience is unique, and symptoms is ranging from mild to severe, bedridden and/or the need of a wheelchair. >>> Why it's often overlooked One of the greatest challenges with Bertolotti Syndrome is that it is frequently overlooked or misdiagnosed. Because symptoms often resemble other back conditions, such as disc problems, sacroiliac joint dysfunction, muscle strain, or general lower back pain, many people spend years searching for answers before receiving the correct diagnosis. In addition, very often it is not being acknowledged as the pain generator and many patients are being medically gaslighted. Delayed diagnosis can mean years of: - Chronic pain - More collateral damage in the surrounding areas - Multiple specialist visits - Ineffective treatments - Frustration and uncertainty - Feeling like your symptoms aren't fully understood - Mental and emotional struggles Greater awareness among both patients and healthcare professionals would help shorten that journey. >>> Why invisible illnesses matter Not every illness can be seen. Many people living with chronic pain appear perfectly healthy on the outside while quietly managing significant physical challenges every day. Invisible illnesses can affect: - Physical health - Mental well-being - Relationships - Careers - Daily activities A little understanding and compassion can make an enormous difference. Raising awareness isn't only about Bertolotti Syndrome, it’s about recognizing that many people carry battles we cannot see. >>> My story For more than 15 years, I lived with chronic lower back pain before finally receiving an answer. Like many people with Bertolotti Syndrome, I spent years trying to understand why everyday activities were so painful, and why I had these flare-ups where I couldn't walk for days. Eventually, imaging revealed the rare congenital condition that had been there all along. Albeit, the road to finding answers was long... Back then, there were on the entire world only two surgeons who are Bertolotti Syndrome Knowledgeable and performed surgeries on our condition. Fast forward, in 2024, after exhausting conservative treatments, I underwent spinal fusion surgery. That surgery changed my life. But the experience changed something else, too. Living with chronic pain taught me how precious ordinary moments truly are, whether it's taking a walk, enjoying a quiet afternoon, or spending time with my chocolate Labrador, Maximus. Those experiences became the inspiration for Scoops by Maximus. The company isn't only about ice cream. It's about creating joyful memories before they become memories. >>> How Scoops by Maximus helps spread awareness Scoops by Maximus was built around a simple belief: Life is short. Celebrate the little moments. Every product is designed to encourage people to slow down and create meaningful memories with their dogs, whether it's celebrating a birthday, a walk in the park, a successful vet visit, or simply an ordinary Tuesday. Alongside that mission, we're committed to helping more people learn about Bertolotti Syndrome and other invisible illnesses by: - Encouraging understanding, compassion and spreading hope to continue - Supporting awareness initiatives - Using our platform to give a voice to a condition that many have never heard of Because sometimes the smallest moments, and the smallest acts of awareness, can make the biggest difference.
"Scoops by Maximus exists to remind us that tomorrow isn't guaranteed.
Slow down, celebrate today's little moments, hug your dog a little longer.
And remember that every act of kindness, toward ourselves and others, can make a lasting difference."