Does that puppy have a return policy?

In a story last week, Times reporter David Colker asked the question: Does that doggy in the window come with a money-back guarantee? His answer:

Yes, he does, according to California's so-called puppy lemon law, which allows a buyer to return a dog for the purchase price -- just as you might return a pair of shoes at Nordstrom -- if the animal gets sick because of an undisclosed illness or condition.

If that sounds heartless, the law also allows the consumer to keep the sick puppy and still be compensated for some medical costs.

This week, Colker sifts through readers' reactions, finding mostly surprise and consternation.

Take Brenda Stang of Simi Valley, who said that while she would save thousands of dollars by returning return her toy fox terrier Dinkee, who has a congenital knee condition, the dog is staying.

"How could we possibly give her back?" Stang asked. "What would we be telling our children? Dogs are disposable?"

So what say you, L.A. Unleashed readers? Should animals have return policies?

--Tony Barboza

Photo by John Richard Petersen, submitted via Your Scene