“If Harlow could talk, she’d probably say, ‘There’s always light at the end of the tunnel!’
This resilient Weimaraner has been through so much since 2021, and her incredible journey is an inspiration to everyone who hears it.
Known as the ‘skeleton dog,’ Harlow fought against impossible odds, and alongside her devoted owner, Alana, she lived to tell the tale. Here’s her remarkable story.
Harlow’s Mysterious Condition
Harlow had been a beloved member of Alana’s family for years. Always the sweetest and most affectionate dog, she brought so much joy to everyone.
But in 2021, things took a sudden turn. Harlow began to lose weight rapidly, and no one in the family could figure out why.
Despite undergoing numerous tests and vet examinations, everything seemed normal on paper. Yet, Harlow was wasting away before their eyes. She ate as much as she could, but nothing helped. Her condition worsened, and Alana felt helpless.
“We could see every rib, every vertebra, all the bones in her legs. No matter how much we fed her, Harlow was deteriorating right in front of us,” Alana shared with The Dodo.
The Unbreakable Spirit
Even though Harlow’s body was failing, her spirit remained strong. She never stopped playing or showing her love for life. That spark of energy and joy in her eyes kept Alana and her family hopeful, even as they feared the worst.
“Despite everything Harlow was going through, she never lost her spark,” said Alana.
But as Harlow’s condition worsened, the family knew they were running out of time. She had become lethargic, refusing to eat or drink, and was rushed to emergency care multiple times each week.
One Friday night, facing the inevitable, Alana and her family decided to make a bucket list of all Harlow’s favorite things to do over the weekend. They planned to say goodbye on Monday. But then, the phone rang.
A Last-Minute Miracle
That phone call changed everything. Dr. Amy Lam, who had previously treated Harlow, reached out with news that would save her life.
Harlow was diagnosed with chronic neutrophilic enteritis, a rare form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
This condition caused Harlow to have an allergic-like reaction to animal proteins, meaning she needed to switch to a vegetarian diet immediately.
As soon as Harlow ate her first vegetarian meal, the transformation began. The family had hoped for gradual improvement, but to their surprise, Harlow’s recovery was almost immediate.
Back to Health
Harlow’s symptoms disappeared, and she started gaining weight. By November 2022, her chronic disease index hit zero, and she had fought her way into remission.
“This little girl truly battled her way back,” Alana wrote on Instagram. “Her veterinary team is nothing short of amazing—they are heroes in my eyes.”
Now, Harlow is living her best life. The dark days are behind her, and her family couldn’t be more thankful to have their happy, healthy girl back.