Nellysford
Nelson County, Virginia
Since moving to Nelson County back in the early part of 2004 we’ve had the wonderful experience of meeting so many fine people. Many have become good friends for well over a decade. And …sadly in that time we’ve had to say goodbye to some of them as well. Thursday morning, our buddy and former BRL / NCL veterinarian columnist Dr. Stephen (Steve) Lotz left us.
Years later Dr. Steve had a feeling something was going wrong with his health. Long before he was formally diagnosed he thought it was parkinson’s disease. Sadly he was right. But in the short term that didn’t stop him. He still managed to see his patients but performing surgery was out. The shakes, small then, were still too much to take a chance. He would tell us to start calling him “Dr. Parky.” Even when he was facing what would become a debilitating disease, he could find humor. Eventually, he gave up his regular animal practice and would still check on many of his established patients as best he could.
It was my hope that I’d have something poetic to say as I wrote this. I don’t and Dr. Steve would have completely shamed and laughed at me for doing so. So, I won’t. But I will say this man did so much for so many. He saved the lives of countless animals. And he was there with many of us when he had to send them off into puppy or kitty heaven. He did that very thing for us years ago. He came to our house after our beloved beagle Jerky broke his back. We all cried on the back deck of our house as Dr. Steve so lovingly and caringly blasted our companion off into space.
Dr Stephen Lotz passed away Thursday morning – December 3, 2015 at Augusta Medical Center. His son Anthony was by his side as were close friends.
Saying good-bye is never easy.
The memories are wonderful Dr. Steve and you left this world with lots of them and lots to be proud of.
RIP in peace our friend and say hello to all of those pets you helped cross over during your time here on earth. We bet you are getting tons of licks from some dogs and cats happy to see you again!
We’ll pass along any additional information we have as it becomes available.
4 COMMENTS
I loved that guy.
Dr Lotz was a very good man and took wonderful care of our two cats. We still miss his beimg at his office and just being there.
Sad day, indeed.
I only knew Steve as a fb friend, but I grew quite fond of him quickly. Considerate and with a wonderful since of humor I always looked forward to his comments.
Thank you for this beautiful tribute.
Great story, I am the best friend his sister I never got to meet Steve but if he was like his sister he was a good person.
I loved that guy.
Dr Lotz was a very good man and took wonderful care of our two cats. We still miss his beimg at his office and just being there.
Sad day, indeed.
I only knew Steve as a fb friend, but I grew quite fond of him quickly. Considerate and with a wonderful since of humor I always looked forward to his comments.
Thank you for this beautiful tribute.
Great story, I am the best friend his sister I never got to meet Steve but if he was like his sister he was a good person.