Bob, Nancy and Daisy, their golden retriever went camping with friends at a State Park one winter. The group gathered around Bob and Nancy's campfire before dinner. Although Bob and Nancy don't drink Bob accepted a glass of wine while Nancy sipped cranberry juice. Nancy has seen Bob have a glass of wine with friends during a meal before and wasn't overly concerned.

When Bob, with great excitement and enthusiasm, grabbed a pen and paper and told the group to come up with dates to return to the park next spring, Nancy became alarmed. It was unusual for Bob to make plans without talking to her first. Then it hit her! This was Bob's first glass of wine since he started taking medication for diabetes, high blood pressure and a heart stent.

Bob's increased energy and enthusiasm reminded her of a time when, years ago, her dentist gave her a narcotic for a toothache after two days of pain. Not only did the narcotic stop the pain but she was so energized she got on the phone and invited six friends to charter a sailboat with her in the Bahamas. To her surprise, all six agreed. She immediately called a charter company and reserved a sailboat.

After the campers chose a date to return next spring Bob, still energized, continued to talk with great animation about his and Nancy's many RV trips around the U.S.

Although Nancy was concerned she decided not to make a scene and went to bed. As she was dozing off she heard Bob yelled, “Nancy!” She jumped up and rushed to the RV door.

Daisy, who had hip problems, was curled up in a tight ball on the carpet next to the ramp she uses to get into the RV.

“What happened? Nancy snapped.

“She fell off the ramp!” Bob whined. He stood against the RV door. “I tried to get her up but she won't budge.”

Nancy jumped down the stairs, knelt next to Daisy and whispered, “It's okay, Daisy” as she gently stroked her head and back.

When Daisy stood up Nancy attached her leash to her collar and gently guided her up the ramp with her hands.

Afraid, and not knowing what to expect next from Bob, Nancy thought she too would like to curl up on the floor like Daisy.

The following morning Nancy expressed concern about Bob's behavior when drinking. Bob barked back that she was overreacting.

While Bob drank wine with the others Nancy went to bed early each night after gently guiding Daisy up the ramp.

Nancy's was horrified when Bob showed her two bottles of wine he'd been given to take home as gifts.

Back home Nancy became even more concerned. Bob became hyperactive and more talkative after drinking wine before dinner. He'd either be on the phone with various friends and family or embrace Nancy and make plans for romantic dates or hikes the following morning. Twice when morning came Bob told Nancy he had other plans. He was going shopping with his son or needed to go into town for something. Although Nancy felt deeply hurt she realized his thoughtlessness was acting out of character. He usually cared about her feeling and honored his commitments. She knew she should not take it personally. The wine not only energized him but made him so manic he lost touch with reality.

After a long talk, Bob agreed with Nancy that his behavior while drinking was unaccceptable, he apologized and poured the rest of the wine down the drain.

Nancy gave him a hug and told him she was thrilled and relieved to get her sweet, loving, thoughtful husband back.