Dr. Steve Lotz with one of his many pet patients back in July of 2005 at Wintergreen Animal Hospital that he owned for a number of years.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.
Dr. Lotz about one year ago in December 2014 on our farm in Roseland with our children, Peyton and Adam. One of the smartest vets I’ve ever known, Dr. Steve was able to figure out that, Nick our beagle, had eaten a poisonous plant. A day or so later our pup was up and running around like nothing had happened. Good as ever, even today! Long after Dr. Steve had to stop practicing vet medicine, he made it a point to stay in touch with his close friends. We met (and still do to this day with others) at what was is laughingly called Book Club. No books are ever read, but we simply have a few drinks and discuss life. Dr. Steve in April 2013 (far right with BRL Publisher Yvette Stafford in his lap) was always open about his struggle against parkinson’s. But tried to enjoy life as best he could as the disease progressed. Dr. Steve actually started the idea of Book Club (he laughs) several years ago. Over time we have moved around to keep it interesting but it all started at Devils Backbone and we return there often to celebrate friendship and living in such a beautiful place. We have become a close group of people. And have already had our share of losses before Steve. It’s never easy.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. Lotz and his close friend Martha Fruehauf celebrating Steve’s birthday on December 31, 2013
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.