California man brings canine companions to Colorado to comfort shooting victims

Helping others heal in the midst of tragedy. That’s the goal of a man and his two faithful canine companions, Jake and Emerson.

This weekend, the three made a special stop in Colorado Springs.

Daniel Sievert says his mission started suddenly, years ago.

“It’s something that I could have never known or planned,” said Sievert. “On the 17th of April 2013, I was pretty much minding my own business in the San Luis Obispo area, California. All my rational thought went out the window and I had a… call it a message from God… or whatever it was, pricked my heart to go.”

Since then, the trio has visited cities all across the nation after major tragic events, including Sandy Hook Elementary and the recent Sacramento college shooting.

That’s why he knew Colorado Springs was his next stop, following the Halloween shooting on N. Prospect.

Sievert experienced trauma himself, when he was burned badly about 40 years ago. He says it took several hospitalizations and therapy sessions until his recovery was complete.

“I understand the depth of grief when people lose (something). And there’s a shortage of people that are willing to go out and just be with someone,” said Sievert.

Their stop in Colorado Springs was their 27th mission, but it doesn’t end here. Sievert says he plans to move to Colorado in the coming months.

“My mission is just to bring light to usually dark situations that happen,” said Sievert.

His goal is to encourage those going through tragedy of one thing: “There’s still hope, there’s still light, allow people to love you through the situation.”