Catherine O'Driscoll

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Catherine O’Driscoll 1 December 1956 - 12 November 2020

Catherine passed away peacefully at home in Hawick on Thursday November 12. Loved wife, sister and aunt and all round most incredible person. Family flowers only please. However, those who wish to do so may instead donate, in her memory, to Catherine’s lifelong work, her non-profit organisation, Canine Health Concern via www.canine-health-concern.org.uk

A wonderful and beautiful person who will be sadly missed by those who knew her, or of her work.

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Tracy wrote

13th Nov 2023

Thinking of you with gratitude today, Catherine, on the third anniversary of your passing. You were, and still are, loved and esteemed by so many.

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Laura wrote

7th Jan 2021

A Star stopped shining in the sky with the loss of Catherine. I found her after losing Inky to a booster. Catherine taught me so much about myself and who I am as well. She was unique and irreplaceable.

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christine wrote

29th Dec 2020

I am finally coming to terms with the loss of my dear, wonderful friend Catherine. Our friendship goes back so many years and during that time l observed Catherine's great courage and standing up for what she had discovered that was adversely affecting our beloved dogs health status. Of course this culminated in her being verbally attacked by those who felt threatened by her disclosures, but she didn't flinch and kept walking forward. We had enjoyed many interactions over the years with magazine articles and sharing our thoughts, but also, and at times heart the heart breaking loss of yet another beautiful dog. Tears shared, hearts broken but that only strengthened the resolve to enable people to have information that would allow them to make informed choices as to how they wished to manage their dog's healthcare programme and thereby give them the very best life possible. I will never completely come to terms with the loss of Catherine, she was definitely one of a kind and the mould has been broken with her passing. I loved you Catherine. xxx Chrissie Mason.

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Marion wrote

7th Dec 2020

What a remarkable lady Catherine was, she will be sadly missed by all who knew her, and those of us she shared so much knowledge .. I'm sure your with all your animal friends having fun.

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Patricia wrote

4th Dec 2020

Although I never got to meet Catherine the sadness I feel is overwhelming. She helped me more than once and we did speak on the telephone. She taught me much and to question everything. There’s rarely a time I talk about dogs that Catherine’s name isn’t mentioned. The world has lost a wonderful advocate for animals and my heart goes out to Rob and family. Rest in peace you beautiful soul.

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Fiona wrote

30th Nov 2020

No words can ever fully convey what Catherine meant to me. Not for the first time will I say, "thank God she came into my life". I had 2 very short lived dogs, but because of Catherine's research, knowledge and advice, I subsequently had 2 very long lived dogs. Catherine - A truly kind, selfless, unique person. A Truth Speaker, forever loved and missed.

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Trisha wrote

30th Nov 2020

Oh Catherine. You were such an inspiration to so many of us and, as a result, we have tried to convert others so that our beloved dogs have longer and healthier lives. You were always on the end of an email and just emanated love and care. It so particularly cruel that you have been taken from us all in this way and we miss you. Rob will take on your strength and passion.

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Barbara wrote

28th Nov 2020

I have no words really to say how much I am going to miss Catherine - the day I first spoke to her back in 1996 changed my life. Thanks to Catherine I have learnt to question everything and have realized this is what we all need to do. Sadly there are very few people like Catherine - her truth seeking, honesty, determination and integrity has shone through in everything she has done. There was also a real joyous side to her and whatever talk, meeting, seminar, workshop you attended there was always fun and laughter - everyone would come away with a smile on their faces and a head full of knowledge! Priceless qualities. I will miss you hugely dear friend but I have faith that you are going to be working with us all still - we will never let your light go out. With love and hugs Barb

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Yvette wrote

27th Nov 2020

My condolences to Rob on the loss of Catherine. The world has lost an amazing advocate for animals. Her legacy is so far- reaching and a beacon of truth that it will live on. Rest in peace.

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Robert wrote

27th Nov 2020

My little Holly is doing great, she is the healthiest dog I have seen, she is a cockatoo. Catherine was kind enough when I first got in contact to share some of her vast knowledge, I will be forever grateful. I will continue to spread the word. God bless from Rob and Holly.

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Rebecca wrote

27th Nov 2020

I had the pleasure of meeting Catherine a couple of times and I am eternally grateful for all she taught me on how to look after my dogs, and therefore my children to not fill them with unecessary chemicals in any way. Catherine will be missed by many many people but her legacy will live on in all she has taught and will continue to teach. Lots of love.

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Christine wrote

27th Nov 2020

I never had the privilege of meeting Catherine and that's my loss. However, I am benefiting immensely from what she gave to the world with her knowledge. I am full of admiration for how she battled to 'tell it how it really is.' We must carry on spreading the wordas that will be the greatest tribute we could pay to Catherine. What a beautiful soul she is, what an example of selflessness to us all. Rest in peace, angel

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Christine wrote

27th Nov 2020

Dear Rob I am so sorry and sad for the loss of a wonderful lady. RIP Catherine. Your amazing work will go on and on. Christine and Alan Soar.

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Jenny wrote

27th Nov 2020

Dear Rob, We have lost a warrior and you have lost a treasured wife and best friend, my thoughts and prayers are with you.

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Dee wrote

26th Nov 2020

You were a truly inspiring lady and will be greatly missed

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Magda wrote

26th Nov 2020

Rest in peace lovely Lady (still can't believe you no longer here) who taught me so much how to look after our best friends, will meet again and now you are with your beloved dogs who went to heaven before you 🙏❤️

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Jill wrote

25th Nov 2020

I sadly never met Catherine in person but learnt so much from her books and all the invaluable information from CHC. We have all lost a truly remarkable person who helped so many people, like me, to love and care for our pets in the best way possible. My deepest condolences to Rob and family.

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Lesley wrote

25th Nov 2020

The world has lost a very special person, beautiful inside and out. I was fortunate to attend several of Catherine's courses, and she helped me more than she knew. We owe her an enormous debt of gratitude for showing us a different path for our animals, and ourselves. She was always prepared to question the normal established way of thinking, and backed up her findings with extensive research, which she thankfully put into print; what a wealth of knowledge she has left us. Catherine will be sadly missed by very many people. Heartfelt condolences to Rob and family.

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Alison wrote

25th Nov 2020

Alison and Tony Hunt are sending you Rob our deepest sympathy at your loss of Catherine. We also want to thank you for loaning her so frequently to the dog world and so many canine owners. She so wonderfully researched and we will continue to promote all her findings to our puppy customers and will keep our dedicated wall to CHC for our boarding dog owners . It has been so fulfilling to explain to all —that by Catherine’s dedication : our 4-paws go through their whole lives never needing a vet . She will always remain in our memories with gratitude. We know Rob you will always have her in your heart and we imagine she will have the waggiest comforting support of loving beasties in some spirit world . Alison and Tony and the Dellaph GSD’s and Shelties .

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Coralie wrote

24th Nov 2020

It has been hard to find the words to describe the impact that Catherine has had on the life of my lovely dogs and myself and family. Joining CHC some 17 years ago was like opening a door into another world, one where knowledge was valued and another way of seeing things was encouraged. Catherine was always rigorous in her assertions, advice strongly supported by research and evidence, she was a woman who dug hard and found the facts, presented them to others and encouraged us to make our choices based on knowledge. So keen was she to educated she undertook a programme of workshops, one of which I attended, explaining about nutrition, health and the ways in which it was possible to fall under the spell of the expert and give up our autonomy. I had hoped and prayed she would beat this illness, and maybe she did in lots of ways. The world, and the world of dogs has lost a great champion although I know Rob will carry on the work. My heart-felt sympathy to her family, friends and all who knew her, she was one in a million and will be greatly missed.

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Chis wrote

23rd Nov 2020

Message from Chris Day Catherine was one of the bravest, most enlightened and most accomplished women ever and she lit a spark which will never be extinguished. She never wavered and met each challenge head-on. Her will and resolve to research so diligently in her chosen field and to turn the fruits of that research into a clear message was beyond fair expectation. So many people have been inspired and helped and so many dogs have been liberated by her passion for truth, for common sense, for justice and for science. In losing her we have lost a true champion but she left us a wealth of written guidance and had the foresight to set in motion a network of like-minded people who can continue her fantastic work. The dreadful sense of loss is tempered by a realistic hope and belief that her legacy will live on and her work will continue. I don't suppose she ever imagined, for one minute during her early career, that she was destined to lead a peaceful revolution and have the tenacity to see through that destiny with triumph and honour. Please pass on this message to Rob, with my deepest condolences. With very best wishes

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Gail wrote

22nd Nov 2020

Dearest Rob, Catherine will live on in all our memories , she has left a wonderful legacy that will be here forever for our animals. Thank you Catherine forever in our hearts.

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Janet wrote

22nd Nov 2020

Catherine, through membership of CHC and your books, you gave me the courage to stand up to my 'pushy' Vet and say 'No' to booster vaccinations. You opened my eyes to the dangers of the pharmaceutical world and pointed the way forward to a common-sensical, gentler approach to preventing disease. Heartfelt thanks Catherine, my dog and I owe you, big-time. xx

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karen wrote

22nd Nov 2020

So sorry to hear of Catherine's passing, she was a true warrior. I would like to thank you Rob and Catherine for all the work you have done and for making our dogs lives a great deal better, couldn't have done this without CHC. RIP Catherine xx

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Grace wrote

21st Nov 2020

Dear Catherine, I learned so much about you and what you stood for, from writing a review of your book 'The Real Epidemic' for the ARH Journal. Truly inspirational. I shall treasure your book always. RIP.

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Lesley wrote

21st Nov 2020

Such a brave brave lady who will be so sadly missed, by thousands and thousands who she helped through her painstaking research into vaccines and their damage. My sincere condolences to Rob and all her family. Rest easy Catherine, your work will carry on xx

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Geraldine & Rod wrote

21st Nov 2020

Catherine loved this little song (below) ~ and I can still hear her singing it now ~ she let so much love shine through.

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Geraldine & Rod wrote

21st Nov 2020

How could anyone ever tell you you are anything less than beautiful How could anyone ever tell you you are less than whole How could anyone fail to notice that your loving is a miracle And how deeply you're connected to my soul

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Julia wrote

21st Nov 2020

Thank you so very much for all that you taught us, for all the path finding you did and being so very brave and ahead of your time. You have touched my heart thro dog training, animal communication and EFT and I shall honour your teachings for the rest of my life on earth too. Both you and Rob have supported me and my company for so many years and it is an honour and a treasure to have known you. May you be at peace dear friend. There will be so many dogs for you to met over the rainbow bridge. Until we met again xxxx

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Lizzie wrote

21st Nov 2020

From me and my Blue English Show Cocker Spaniel I would like to say my sincerest thanks to Catherine for the AMAZING, SPECTACULAR and AWE INSPIRING work she did. She was a REMARKABLE and UNIQUE woman and will be sadly missed. My sincerest condolences to Rob and her family. May she rest in peace. God bless her xxx

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Sandra wrote

21st Nov 2020

Catherine, you helped to show me a different path in canine health for which myself and my two dogs are truly grateful. Your work has been remarkable and I will continue to share this with as many pet owners as possible. RIP knowing that even after your death your legacy lives on.

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Sue wrote

21st Nov 2020

Dear Catherine, you left us too soon and we are heartbroken. I’m sure you had another book title up your sleeve ready to educate us. I read all your books and I was staggered by your research, knowledge and compassion. You made me do a complete U turn on how I reared my dogs which has followed on to how I look after my own health. I question and research everything I am told by the veterinary and medical professionals. I will always remember you saying that knowledge is power. I looked up the definition of legacy and this is what was said “ A legacy is a part of a person that lives on long after that person has passed. A legacy also leaves behind the story of a person so they are not forgotten. Legacies are important path ways or the future to follow or to be guided by in order make better decisions in life” I am making better decisions in life because of you Catherine and I thank you for that. I know you are reunited now with all your beloved dogs and that makes me happy. As a group we will try and look after Rob because we love him and he is a part of you. Rest In Peace dearest Catherine.

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Pat wrote

21st Nov 2020

Catherine you will be sadly missed , not just by Rob but many countless others who you’ve helped along the way. Thank you for all you’ve done so tirelessly. Rest in peace knowing your work will carry on.

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Sandy wrote

21st Nov 2020

Dear Catherine a truly special dedicated and totally trustworthy person . An honour to have met you and been a small part of your journey.. You will always be with us in our hearts and souls Sandy xxx

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Gabbie wrote

20th Nov 2020

Such a lovely lady, taken too soon but spared the horrors of what might have been the future. Catherine, you are at peace now out of pain and with your beloved dogs who passed before you. You were loved and admired by so many, it was my pleasure to you know you , you gave me so much help over the years. You will be so missed.

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Jean wrote

20th Nov 2020

So very sorry to hear that we have lost Catherine. She changed my life and that of my dogs. I tried to spread her word as often as I could. So she has changed many more lives. I met her several times years ago and she was inspirational and very knowledgeable. She will be missed by so many.

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Teresa wrote

19th Nov 2020

Catherine was a lovely lady, who was willing to help anyone and will be remembered for her kindness. It was a privilege to know her and spend time with her.

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Jean wrote

19th Nov 2020

I was devastated to hear about Catherine. She helped me over 20 years ago and she has done so much for the health of dogs.Sometimes life is so unfair.

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Andy wrote

18th Nov 2020

So sorry to hear of Catherine’s passing , truly the most switched on lady i have ever came across regarding canine health , she got me and my family through our hardship with hooch and even put his story in one of her books , wishing her husband and family our deepest sympathy RIP Catherine x

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Kathryn wrote

18th Nov 2020

Sadly I never had the privilege of meeting her only via Skype. She was a truly gifted lady who changed many things for the better. She challenged what was the normal to challenge peoples ways for the better. Thank you from the bottom of my heart ❤

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Colette wrote

18th Nov 2020

To rob and all the family, I am truly sorry to hear of Catherine's passing, my heart goes out to you all, what an incredible woman, an inspiration to so many people. Her love of animals went far and beyond and certainly touched my heart with her love and compassion for our dear pets she gave me some excellent advice to which I will always be grateful. Please accept my sincere condolences. Colette

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Christine wrote

18th Nov 2020

I had the pleasure of meeting Catherine several times, and she was a special, beautiful person, inside and out. Truly inspirational, and will be missed by so many people. My sincere condolences, love and best wishes to Rob and family. Rest in peace Catherine xxx

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Tricia wrote

18th Nov 2020

To Rob and Catherine’s family Condolences for the loss of Catherine. An amazing and wonderful woman who, through her work, changed the lives of very many people and dogs. Her work will be continued by those who came Into contact with her. Remembered with love Tricia Robinson.

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Ali wrote

18th Nov 2020

My thoughts go out to Rob and family at this sad time. Catherine's work to bring awareness of the dangers of vaccines, and the sinister nature of the forces behind so many vets' and doctors' attitudes, is and has been so incredibly important. In these "pandemic" times it is even more urgent that we heed all her work and teachings to keep ourselves and our pets safe and healthy. We will miss you Catherine.

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Alison wrote

18th Nov 2020

A true champion for animals who educated and inspired so many May you rest in peace Deepest sympathy to all her family and friends x

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Jane wrote

18th Nov 2020

My deepest condolences to you Rob and your family. The world has lost a truly inspirational, kind and selfless person. Catherine made an immeasurable impact on the lives of dogs and their owners across the world. Such a brave person, committed to the truth and what is best for the care of our canine companions.; she has left behind a great legacy for the canine world. I had the privilege of meeting Rob and Catherine, once, in a CHC seminar in Cornwall. I am eternally grateful to Catherine and Rob for all the advice that they have given, freely, to me over the last few years. You were always the first place I’d go to if I needed support. Rest in peace, dear Catherine.

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Lyn wrote

18th Nov 2020

Catherine's work has underpinned the last twenty years of my life and influenced my dogs' lives hugely. She helped me in person when she lived in Perthshire, teaching me several skills which have been invaluable ever since. Her amazing sincerity and energy are a light for all of us and an inspiration.

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Sue wrote

18th Nov 2020

My thoughts are with all of Catherine's family at this time. Having lost a brother a few years ago to this horrible illness, I know first hand what she and those closest to her have been through. Take comfort from remembering what a truly amazing lady she was and the many, many lives she changed for the better. She was much loved and will be sorely missed. RIP Catherine and God bless.

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Sheila wrote

18th Nov 2020

Catherine was warm, funny friendly person with a steely determination and truly inspirational. She was always there to help with any problems. With her work she has helped so many to make our pets lives healthier. She was loved and admired by so many, and I am certain her work will perpetuate. Our hearts go out to Rob and her family. Rob, our thoughts are with you at this time, please reach out for any help.

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Judy wrote

18th Nov 2020

Praying for you all as family of Catherine.She will be greatly missed though NEVER forgotten.

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Carole wrote

17th Nov 2020

Catherine changed the lives of my dogs when I read her book What Vets don’t Tell You 20 years ago. It also changed my life. Thank you Catherine for giving so much of yourself for others. You will never be forgotten. Rest easy !

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Roberta wrote

17th Nov 2020

My deepest sympathies to Rob and family. The world has lost a health warrior, but heaven has gained a true angel. Her great works will keep the memory of her alive forever. I know she will be dearly missed.... ♥️

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Steve wrote

16th Nov 2020

I only met Catherine once but she left a lasting impression on me. Such an inspirational person, and the knowledge she passed on has been a great benefit to me and to my dogs. Sadly Bryn, Sam and Seren are no longer with me but I like to think that they and all the other dogs Catherine has helped over the years were waiting to greet her. Such a sad loss, but her work will carry on and she won’t be forgotten, I know Rob will make sure of that.

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Rebecca wrote

16th Nov 2020

Gone from our sight But never our memories Gone from our touch But never our hearts. Rest in peace beautiful Catherine xxx

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Mariangela wrote

16th Nov 2020

My deepest condolences Rob for the unexpected loss of our sweet dear Catherine..a very special person that will remain "forever" in my heart. I am sure that she is now in heaven with all her eight beloved golden...RIP my dear Catherine..we all will meet again. Love mariangela Milou I and Milou II

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Tracy wrote

16th Nov 2020

Dear Rob. Freddie and Ruby, I am so sorry your darling, precious Catherine is gone from this life. I'm still struggling to believe it. She changed my dogs' lives for the better and I will be forever grateful for her friendship and compassion. A truly wonderful woman. The world would be a better place if there were more Catherines in it. How the Rainbow Bridge didn't collapse with the weight of all the animals waiting to welcome her, I'll never know. Rob, please do reach out to CHC supporters if you need help xxx.

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