Thursday, July 21, 2022
My heart is broken and it doesn’t seem real I am sitting down, writing and reflecting on my favorite memories of my former boss, veterinarian, mentor, father figure and friend, Dave Sievers. I met Dave when I was 14 years old when my family needed a veterinarian to care for my horse, Okie. Over the next couple of years, Dave learned I wanted to become a veterinarian, so he hired me as a kennel technician at The Animal Doctor. At that time, I didn’t realize The Animal Doctor would not only be one of my first jobs, but a very fulfilling job for many years to come. Clocking in never felt like “work” and TAD became a place of comfort and family for me where I met some of my best friends. Dave always had a way of showing he appreciated his employees, whether it was a handwritten note of gratitude on your paycheck stub, or a coffee run on Fridays to Starbucks. Every year, Dave and Kayla would graciously host a Christmas Party for the staff, along with a Christmas bonus. They just had a way of making you feel important and appreciated. They were also generous in the Broomfield community, hosting the “Best Dressed Dog” at Broomfield Days where the winners would receive veterinary care at The Animal Doctor. Dave would interview each of the contestants asking them about their dogs and costumes.
Over the years, I really got to know Dave driving in the truck to numerous horse vet calls. It was on these calls, I witnessed what an incredible veterinarian and person he was. He would spend hours treating horses that others would write off and never give a chance to. It was never about the money, and he exemplified compassion and kindness as he worked with people who desperately were trying to do the very best by their horses. He extended this sense of hope to me and my horse Leo. Leo stepped on a nail and when multiple vets told me I would never ride Leo again and he would never be sound, Dave told me not to give up hope. He treated and truly cured Leo. We went onto having a long and very successful show career. Today Leo is 22 years old and still going strong. More recently my horse, Tommy was diagnosed degenerative suspensory ligament desmitis and Dave told me the disease can be prolonged with good shoeing, he was right again.
Dave was always there for me with words of encouragement and picked me up when I needed it the most. He believed in me and wrote me numerous letters of recommendation to get into vet school. One of the conversations I will never forget riding with him in his truck after being rejected for a 3rd year from vet school. As I cried in his truck, he reminded me how smart I was and how I should become a doctor or a hospital manager and how I would go on to do great things. When I decided to try to become a nurse, he wrote me letters of recommendation to get into school and my first nursing job at University Hospital. He believed in me when I had a hard time believing in myself. When it was time to put my horse Okie to sleep, he was right there praying with me and thanking him for being my companion and friend. He helped me through one of life’s toughest decisions. His daughter Kelsey and I are the same age and played high school basketball with and against one another. Dave was often in the bleachers cheering and encouraging both Kelseys on the basketball court. After helping him at a vaccine clinic at Mark and Jan Guynn’s barn, he traded veterinary services for me to take a couple reining lessons with Mark. I was so grateful for these lessons and Leo moved to the Guynn barn shortly afterwards and I continued to take lessons, ride, and show with the Guynns for many more years. By chance he ran into my mom the day after Kiwi, our lifelong family Quaker parrot suddenly died and knew just what to say to help us alleviate the sorrow.
Over the years we continued to share our love of animals, especially horses, birds and dogs. Anytime I would stop by the Siever’s house I would spend time with Elena, his umbrella cockatoo. He loved her and would often tell me stories about her or send me videos of what she was up to. One of the last times I saw Dave was at the Sievers home. Like always they welcomed me inside and Dave showed me all of Elena and Vinny’s newest tricks. Unfortunately with Covid, distance between our homes, and work I didn’t get to stop by as much as I once did over the past couple years. Ironically the day Dave passed away, the Dumb Friend’s League took in 80 neglected horses. I made a donation to them in remembrance of Dave and all he did to care for horses.
I will miss you tremendously Dave. I can honestly say my life wouldn’t have been the same without you in it and I am so fortunate to have known you. Kayla, Minda, Kris, Jen, Kelsey, Jordan and all of the Sievers family I am thinking of all of you and sending all of you love and prayers.
