Dog News

Yoyo the Dog Is Not a Dog, Just a “Very Large Cat”

by Katherine

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When Cambridge University master Roger Mosey accepted a job offer back in October of 2013, he feared he wouldn’t be able to bring Yoyo, his bassett hound to live with him at Selwyn College. The university had a policy stating that the only pets allowed were cats, but Mosey found a clever way to keep his companion pet with him. The pet owner and former editorial director of the BBC, convinced the college council that Yoyo was not a dog but rather a “very large cat.”

Photo Credit: Roger Mosey
Photo Credit: Roger Mosey

 

According to a BBC report, after Mosey settled into his new job and home he asked for permission to bring his dog to campus. When the council refused, the pet owner said his dog was pretty much a very large cat and proved that a previous head master had kept dogs on university grounds.

“Many former masters have kept cats but the greatest master, Professor Owen Chadwick, did keep dogs during the 1950s, 60s and 70s,” said Mosey.

When the council realized that in the past the rules were bent, they approved the current head master’s request to keep his dog. Yoyo moved in soon after.

Photo Credit: Roger Mosey
Photo Credit: Roger Mosey

 

The request’s approval was noted in the meeting’s minutes:
“Noting precedent under the mastership of Professor Chadwick, Council approved the Master’s request to adopt a Very Large Cat in the Master’s Lodge.”

Whenever Yoyo was seen around campus people would greet Mosey and his dog with witty remarks such as “I love your big cat.”

The university has embraced their new four-legged resident and the Yoyo is featured on material for a veterinary course and other college marketing material.