A New Year’s Emergency That Revealed the Neighbor We Never Knew
A Celebration Turned Medical Crisis

New Year’s Eve was supposed to be quiet and familiar. Instead, it became terrifying within minutes.

A hidden ingredient in a festive appetizer triggered a sudden allergic reaction. My throat tightened, my skin burned, and panic set in fast. My wife, Nora, didn’t hesitate. She grabbed her keys, helped me into the SUV, and sped toward the ER through icy Ohio streets. In the rush to save my life, neither of us realized what we’d left behind.

Earlier that evening, Nora had let our ten-year-old golden retriever, Buster, into the backyard. In the chaos, the gate was never checked.

By the time we reached the hospital, my breathing was shallow. Doctors moved quickly—epinephrine, IV fluids, hours of monitoring. Eventually, the swelling eased. I was stable. That’s when Nora noticed the time.

It was nearly 11 p.m. Snow was falling hard. Temperatures had dropped below freezing.