Tribute to Libby

March 27, 2002 - September 7, 2015

We were impacted by Libby's death, but are comforted as we reflect back on all the joy she brought us. Each of us have distinct memories to share:

We would like to thank:

• Canfield Vet (Canfield Rd, Pittsford, NY) for their routine care of Libby, and for their support and condolences. They are very caring and provide great care, and I would highly recommend their veterinary services.
• Veterinary Specialists of Rochester (White Spruce Blvd, Rochester, NY) for their care throughout all of Libby's challenging moments. Although the vets who performed her knee surgeries are no longer associated with the facility, the underlying premise of care and professionalism thrives. A special thank you to Dr. Michael Koch for his treatment for Libby's pancreatitis, and ultimately his decision to have her spend her last days with us. We cherished that time -- Thank you!
• Dr. Dori Marion of Doorbell Vet (Rochester, NY) who went above and beyond the call of duty by making a house call at 10pm on Labor Day to administer Libby's final injection. She made that difficult moment easier and her kindness was appreciated.
• All our family and friends for their outpouring of support.

There was a local breeder out of Caledonia, NY -- Indian Acres. If you saw a beautiful golden retriever around the town and inquired as to the breeder, the owner almost always identified Indian Acres. The operation was transferred to a breeder in Hamburg, NY, which is where we got Libby from. We were very happy with our breeder. There is no doubt another golden retriever is in our future.

Thus far, we are extremely disappointed with the decisions and actions of the local golden retriever breeder from Pittsford, NY. Her callousness and lack of judgment will force us to seek a new breeder. Based on our experience with Libby's breeder, we may just road trip it once again.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown... www.rainbowbridge.com

To know the Loncz's was to know Libby was part of our family. Libby was our precious golden retriever, whose name was always included on our Christmas cards, and anything that required a signature line. Her place in our family explains why the pain from having to put her down was practically unbearable. Libby died peacefully, in our yard on a clear and peaceful night, as Maggie and I held her. In those challenging minutes that we comforted Libby, Maggie witnessed a butterfly flutter out of nowhere and take to the sky. Libby took her last breaths as the vet's injection ended her battle with pancreatitis and the accompanying pain.

The next few days were incredibly difficult. I would experience such a void returning from work as I began my ascent up the driveway because Libby had always either been outside with the kids or looking out the front door. One day, as I drove up the driveway approaching the garage, a beautiful white butterfly graced the landscape. I think the entire Loncz family now has a new-found love for butterflies, reinforced by the multiple occasions when I have heard Nathan say "Libby" after seeing a butterfly.

A part of our life for 13 1/2 years; Libby was always within sight. Even weeks later, I still mistake tan objects laying on the ground for Libby's presence -- like Lily's Moses basket, or a cream colored towel the kids left on the floor. Whether a butterfly sighting, an old photo, or a precious memory, Libby will always have a special place in our hearts.

Thank you for all the incredible memories. We miss you Libby. Just as you waited for Mags and I every time we pulled in the driveway, or the kids when they hopped off the school bus, someday we will crest the rainbow bridge and see you again.