Our caring and compassionate veterinary care team! Meet the Veterinarians & Team of Eagle Spirit Veterinary Practice in Greeley! We’re pleased to provide exceptional vet care for your pets! Please call us at 970-356-3134 to speak to one of our caring veterinary staff members!
Dr. Thomas Ponder
Thomas Ponder developed his “sixth sense” about animals’ health when he was just a young boy. Thomas’ family always included dachshunds and cats, and he was very much in tune with his beloved pets’ health. In fact, Thomas could always sense when an animal didn’t feel well. Thomas often accompanied his mother to that pet’s veterinary appointment, and he was fascinated by how the doctor could diagnose his pet’s problem and put him on the road to recovery. Dr. Ponder feels his “sixth sense” still plays a part in his veterinary care, and he is grateful that he can help his furry patients and their pet parents enjoy healthier lives together!
Growing up in Englewood, Colorado with his younger brother and sister, Thomas enjoyed his Boy Scout troop’s activities. When Thomas grew older, he became an Eagle Scout and began spending his summers as a Boy Scouts camp counselor. He feels that his scouting experiences helped shape his core values, giving him the strong work ethic that was the foundation of a successful veterinary career.
Dr. Ponder came to his veterinary career rather unexpectedly, as he originally enrolled in a pre-med program at the University of Colorado in Boulder. Intrigued by microbiology, he transferred to Colorado State University, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology. After further study at Washington State University, Thomas earned his Master of Science in Bacteriology and Public Health.
While Thomas appeared headed for a human medicine career, he happened to attend a Colorado State University Veterinary School Open House, and immediately knew he was meant for veterinary medicine. Thomas was quickly accepted into the CSU Veterinary School, receiving his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine four years later. After passing his state and national board exams, Dr. Ponder worked for six months at an Englewood, Colorado veterinary Hospital. When Dr. Ponder’s family veterinarian approached him about buying his practice, Dr. Ponder jumped at the opportunity to become his own boss owning Cherry Knolls Veterinary Hospital in Littleton, CO.
After owning three successful veterinary practices, Dr. Ponder was working as a USDA Veterinary Medical Officer when he decided to follow his passion as a companion animal veterinarian. In December 2003, Dr. Ponder opened Eagle Spirit Veterinary Practice, deciding on a mobile treatment format featuring a fully equipped clinic unit. Greeley, Loveland, Windsor, Timnath, and Eaton, CO are serviced by the practice. By operating a mobile practice, Dr. Ponder can spend a minimum of an hour per visit with each family. These longer visits enable Dr. Ponder to gain valuable information about the pet’s health. He can also spend more time educating his clients and building long-lasting relationships with them.
When Dr. Ponder’s away from the clinic, he shares life with his wife Susie, who works as a psychiatric nurse practitioner. Dr. Ponder also enjoys a number of outdoor activities; including fly fishing, back-country camping, golf, and exploring Colorado ghost towns. Taking it up a notch, he also likes to ride his Harley Davidson Soft Tail Deuce motorcycle and is an avid downhill skier since his teenage years.
Finally, the Ponder family also includes eight feline members, as Dr. Ponder and Susie are passionate about cats. The couple’s seven indoor cats include Annie, Sam, Char, Cindy, Sweet Pea (aka Chirps), Angel, and Spirit. Miles, the sole indoor/outdoor feline family member, was adopted from a family down the street and calls the heated garage his cozy home while still indulging his need for outdoor exploration. Miles enjoys the best of both worlds!
Dr. Ponder is a member of the Colorado Veterinary Medical Association, the American Animal Hospital Association, and the American Association of Feline Practitioners.