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Conversations with David Weaver

Today we’d like to introduce you to David Weaver.

David Weaver

Hi David, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Dr. Weaver grew up with a deep love for animals and the outdoors, a combination that quickly made him the kid who was always bringing home creatures to care for, raise, and eventually release. His parents were never surprised by what may be brought home. This early passion was strengthened when a local ranch veterinarian invited him to tag along on farm and house calls—an experience that cemented his desire to become a veterinarian.

His veterinary journey began in the 1980s with humble but meaningful work as a poop-scooper and lawn mower at Northwest Austin Animal Hospital under Dr. Tom Sutton and Dr. Dave Nelson. After earning his DVM from Texas A&M, Dr. Weaver practiced in Brady, Texas, and later in the Dallas area before returning to Central Texas. There, he reunited with Dr. Sutton at Lakeline Animal Care and Hometown Animal Care, and in 2018 he returned to Northwest Austin Veterinary Center to work alongside Dr. Richard Walden.

In September 2024, Dr. Weaver achieved his career-long dream by opening Southpaw Animal Care. Inspired by his clients and driven by a desire to provide high-quality, compassionate veterinary care without the constraints of corporate guidelines, he built Southpaw as a place where animals—and their people—feel genuinely supported.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
One of Dr. Weaver’s biggest challenges was being accepted into the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine—a goal he achieved on his third attempt through determination and perseverance.

Working at several clinics that were later absorbed by large corporate groups reinforced Dr. Weaver’s commitment to opening his own practice. He is dedicated to providing patient-centered care, prioritizing the well-being of animals and the needs of their families rather than profit-driven models of medicine.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Dr. Weaver began his career in a mixed-animal practice in Brady, Texas. Although he received multiple offers from clinics across the state, he chose Brady because he felt the veterinarian there was the most skilled, supportive, and inspiring mentor for the career he envisioned.

He enjoys the variety that everyday veterinary medicine brings—from internal medicine and surgery to preventative care. Known for his attentive listening and clear communication, Dr. Weaver approaches challenging cases with logic, detail, and a commitment to finding solutions tailored to each individual situation.

Dr. Weaver deeply values the community he has built with both his clients and his team. Their trust, encouragement, and long-standing support were major inspirations for opening Southpaw Animal Care. His goal has always been to provide the personalized, compassionate care his clients expect—without the limitations that often come with corporate checklists.

He loves sharing a laugh and building genuine relationships where clients feel welcome, supported, and truly cared for. It’s not unusual to see friends bump into each other at the clinic during appointments or while picking up medication or food.

Clients appreciate Dr. Weaver’s calm, educational approach, and many continue to travel to see him even after moving away. We are honored to care for pets from near and far—San Antonio, Buda, Marble Falls, Horseshoe Bay, Taylor, Copperas Cove, Waco, Houston, and even as far as San Angelo and Abilene.

Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
Taking risks is essential if we want our dreams to come true. Even when those risks are calculated and well-thought-out, they’re still necessary for achieving meaningful goals.

Words like possibility, probability, and likelihood can stand in place of risk, because when we start examining or calculating a risk, what we’re really doing is evaluating our options. This process helps us make informed choices, create a plan, and step forward without being ruled by fear.

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Image Credits
taken by Southpaw Animal Care staff

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