Wine and Puppies – A Prescription for Health

Stress. There, I said it. It’s the five letter word that makes us act irrationally, lash out at friends & colleagues and it’s something which can and does kill. It is almost the only constant companion that we each have following us on a daily basis and for some reason; it is something that seems to accelerate in its intensity as we get older. Quite frankly, it is a life companion that I wish I could divorce, but like that annoying in law, it’s with us until the day we die. 

Now, there are many factors which contribute to our daily stressful lives. 75% of stress comes from real or perceived money issues. There are outside forces like politics, both national and office, which for some reason we feel that we can control, but refuse to accept the inevitable fact that, we cannot control these annoyances. Also everyday mundane events like driving to work, picking up the kids, running into that one person who drives you up the wall with their chattiness that you cannot get away from even though you give every indication that you’re in a hurry. Then there is family. We love each and every one of you, really, but sometimes we just don’t like you nor feel like dealing. Am I hitting any buttons of truth here? 

So, where am I going with this you ask? Anyone who has leapt with both feet in into the ultimate stress creator -- starting their own business, will tell you that everything you thought about stress levels are nothing compared to what you actually experience. They were right. I needed relief! Now, I’m not saying that this is the perfect solution for everyone, but a confluence of events took place recently which, when taken separately, do nothing, but when combined provided the ultimate therapeutic relief factor that my doctor never could have prescribed.  

A friend had a house guest and this house guest has a dog. The dog’s name is Buddy (picture above). Because his owner was leaving town for a few days, Buddy needed a place to stay for a few days. Being the dog lover that I am (I grew up having dogs and I don’t have one of my own now because my wife is allergic) I readily agreed to house sit for this little fella as long as it did not bother my wife’s allergies too much. This was phase 1 of the 3 part prescription. 

Phase 2 came in the form of favorite Chianti that I particularly enjoy drinking. I had not had the time or the inclination in a couple of weeks to indulge myself in this small pleasure of mine. Frankly, I was becoming an annoyance even to myself. 

Phase 3 occurred with the first snowfall, indicating that it was time to haul in some firewood and light up the fireplace. Three pieces of an as yet unknown puzzle came together in my subconscious. I love dogs, I love wine and nothing means more to a New Englander than that first fire of the season. 

So, here I was, sitting in front of the fireplace, a glass of wine in my hand and a new friend curled up at my feet. It was at this moment that I realized --  wine, puppies and fireplaces are the ultimate combination for a stress relieving moment. Now, that moment can last as long or as short as you want, but the fact is that for the briefest of evenings I found that wine and puppies are medication for the soul. 

Buddy spends quite a lot of time with us now...

As always, we’d love to hear from you and thanks, see you soon. 

MetroWestWines.com