Terry's legacy of love for animals
Theresa Heath, affectionately known as Terry, was born in 1942 in Dumbarton, Central Scotland. The eldest of five children, she went on to work as a veterinary nurse at a busy practice. Here, she gained invaluable hands-on experience and deepened her commitment to animal welfare.
A lifelong love for animals
Terry's first dog was a collie named Prince, and she also owned two English Springer Spaniels, Skipper and Teegar. However, it was the English Bull Terrier breed that she became particularly smitten with.
After welcoming her first English Bull Terrier, Kirsty, Terry went on to own, breed, and show many Bull Terriers. She became a passionate advocate for the breed’s health and welfare.
Terry’s dream of running boarding kennels came true with the purchase of Holloville in Falkirk. Holloville became a thriving business, caring for dogs, cats, small mammals, and exotic birds.
Terry had a special love for parrots, owning an African Grey named Peter and a Scarlet Macaw called Cocky Rocky, while Danny had a Blue and Gold Macaw named Monty.
Raising awareness of breed-specific diseases
Deeply concerned about the health of English Bull Terriers, Terry effectively served as a health coordinator for the breed, even though this was not an official role at the time. She was particularly worried about unexplained illnesses and early deaths among young Bull Terriers.
Her determination led her to advocate for greater awareness of breed-specific diseases, and collaborate with vets, encouraging them to offer free health screenings at dog shows.
She worked closely with veterinary researchers, including Dr Neil McEwan, whose studies focused on skin diseases including the devastating inherited lethal acrodermatitis (LAD), which causes stunted growth, immune deficiency, characteristic skin lesions, and ultimately an early death.
Terry played a key role in liaising with owners and coordinating care for LAD-affected puppies across the country. Sadly, she passed away before a genetic test for LAD was finally developed, although this was a milestone she had long hoped for.
Terry’s gift to BSAVA PetSavers
Terry passed away in 2016, aged 72. She was clear and passionate about her legacy, wanting to ensure that her contributions would continue to support research into canine diseases, especially those affecting Bull Terriers.
That’s why a gift was left to BSAVA PetSavers in Terry’s Will. BSAVA PetSavers funds vital clinical research into diseases affecting pets, enabling them to have longer, healthier lives.
Some of the funds from Terry’s gift have already been used to support research into canine cutaneous mast cell tumours and canine immune-mediated haemolytic anaemia. The remainder will enable Terry’s legacy to live on by improving the health and welfare of the Bull Terrier breed she championed so fiercely.
BSAVA PetSavers
Over the past 50 years BSAVA PetSavers has invested more than £2 million in research and training programmes in areas as diverse as kidney disease, anaemia, diabetes, feline leukaemia, deafness, cancer and heart disease.
Leaving a gift to BSAVA
Gifts in Wills fund around one-third of BSAVA PetSavers’ projects, providing crucial support for veterinary research and training long into the future.
If you’re interested in leaving a gift in your Will to BSAVA PetSavers, please visit their website for more details.
