Born on Mother's Day, Hetherbull has been donated to the university by Robert Hetherington '55, who owns a kennel in North Carolina. The Yale sideline prowler was kept by Chris Getman '64, also the keeper of 10-year mascot Handsome Dan XIII (a.k.a. Maurice).

Hetherbull, who made his first appearance at a Yale Club in Ashville, N.C., on June 30, had a family tradition of stardom. His grandfather, Hetherbull Arrogant Frigott, who is still living and producing pups, is the winningest bulldog ever in competition with 52 "best in shows." His father, Hetherbull Nigel, won his first competition and could follow in Frigott's paw steps.