Harlow, a delightful Weimaraner, has a tale that could inspire anyone. If dogs could talk, she’d likely reassure us with wisdom about perseverance, considering the tough path she’s navigated since 2021.
Together with her owner Alana, Harlow, once nicknamed the ‘skeleton’ dog, battled severe health challenges. Their journey wasn’t just a fight for health—it became a heartwarming story shared across the globe. Here’s the remarkable tale of Harlow and her fight for life.
Harlow’s Battle Begins
Harlow has been a cherished member of Alana’s family for many years, known for her affectionate and joyful nature. However, in 2021, something alarming happened—Harlow started to lose weight rapidly, and no one could figure out why. Despite undergoing numerous veterinary exams and tests, which all came back normal, Harlow continued to decline. Her condition was mystifying; she ate well yet kept losing weight.
Alana described the painful sight to The Dodo: “We could see every rib, every vertebrae, all the bones in her legs. It didn’t matter how much we fed her. Harlow was deteriorating before our eyes.” Despite her physical decline, Harlow’s spirit remained unbroken. She continued to play and live with the same enthusiasm, showing that her condition hadn’t dampened her zest for life.
The Turning Point
As Harlow’s condition worsened, her family prepared for the worst. They even planned a weekend filled with Harlow’s favorite activities, expecting to say goodbye at its end. But then, a crucial phone call changed everything.
Dr. Amy Lam, a veterinarian who had previously treated Harlow, called with a breakthrough. She diagnosed Harlow with chronic neutrophilic enteritis, a rare form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in dogs, characterized by an allergic-like reaction to animal proteins. The solution? A drastic change in diet—Harlow needed to switch to vegetarian meals.
Harlow’s Road to Recovery
The impact of the new diet was immediate and remarkable. After her first vegetarian meal, Harlow began to show signs of improvement. What seemed like a desperate hope turned into a tangible recovery. Over the following weeks, Harlow’s health rapidly improved. By November 2022, her chronic disease index was at zero—a full remission.
Alana expressed her gratitude on social media: “This little girl well and truly fought into remission. To say her veterinary team are absolutely amazing would be a huge understatement – they are forever heroes in my eyes.”
A New Chapter
Today, Harlow is not just surviving; she’s thriving. Her days of struggle are behind her, and she enjoys every moment with her family who stood by her through the darkest times. The journey of Harlow is a testament to the resilience of the canine spirit and the difference dedicated care can make. It’s a story that reaffirms the old adage, indeed, there is always light at the end of the tunnel.
Harlow’s story is more than a tale of recovery; it’s a beacon of hope for those facing seemingly insurmountable challenges. It reminds us of the power of resilience, the importance of hope, and the incredible bond between humans and their animal companions.
