Jim and Julie Graham of Boothbay Harbor had been visiting family in San Diego, Calif., and were almost free of town when they stopped at a minimall for a Chinese lunch.

Upon leaving the restaurant, their daughter Jill, age 7, spotted a “Pet Arcade” sign, and when a 7-year-old wants to look at the puppies, what can you say? Her fortune cookie had promised, “You will make a new friend soon!”

Little did they know.

The minute that little fur ball of a sheepdog was plopped in Jill’s arms, they all knew they were sunk. Her father had promised her a puppy, and it was family love at first sight. So, after dropping $835 and signing the papers, the Grahams (the newest member wrapped in a blanket) jumped back in the van. Nine days, numerous stops along the highways, and reams of paper towels later, they were home in Maine.

“Bootsy” (named for her white feet) immediately took up her duties of terrorizing the family cat and chewing on anything that looked tasty.

But it wasn’t long before Bootsy started showing signs that she was unwell – she was gagging and wheezing frequently. After several visits to the veterinarian, she was diagnosed as having a congenital tracheal defect that interfered with her breathing. Surgery likely would be required.

In reviewing the sales receipt from Pet Arcade, Jim discovered the company offered a warranty promising a full refund within 30 days if an animal was found to have an “illness, injury, or defect” that predated the sale. Jim contacted the company and explained Bootsy’s problem, asking what they would do. The company said the family could ship the dog back to California (at the Grahams’ expense) where it would be examined and, if found to have a congenital defect, put down, and the purchase price would be refunded.

Jim told the owners of Pet Arcade that the surgery and boarding during recovery would cost about $650. He thought Pet Arcade should pay for the surgery and he sure wasn’t about to have Bootsy put to sleep. The store owner disagreed and, after several additional conversations, became rude. “It’s just a damn animal!” he barked, hanging up on the angry Mr. Graham, who immediately called Northeast COMBAT.

Bootsy, just an animal? Jim didn’t think so, nor did personnel at COMBAT. She was now a family member.

Well, sometimes you aren’t sure about your footing, so you take your best shot, COMBAT’s favorite hobby. We contacted the store owner, Bart Gunn (no relation to Peter) who was equally rude to us. So we popped him a letter opining that given the unusual circumstances, we felt the store should consider paying Bootsy’s surgical bills. We also told him we didn’t like his attitude.

Finally, we warned if he didn’t try to help the Grahams, we would see if anyone else agreed with our opinion, namely the California and Maine attorneys general, the California Department of Agriculture (which regulates pet sales), Department of Animal Welfare, Better Business Bureau, Chamber of Commerce, the mall owner, the San Diego Humane Society, People for Ethical Treatment of Animals, his mother, a lawyer, and anyone else who would listen. Woof woof, we can bark too.

Apparently, Mr. Gunn thought this promised all too much hassle, and grudgingly agreed to refund $400, or roughly half the purchase price. The Grahams agreed this was a fair settlement.

Bootsy’s $525 surgery went well, she is now 2 years old, still terrorizes the cat and chews everything in sight. But the Grahams surely do love her.

Consumer Forum is a collaboration of the Bangor Daily News and Northeast COMBAT-Maine Center for the Public Interest, Maine’s membership-funded, non-profit consumer organization. Individual membership $25, business rates start at $125 (0-10 employees). For help and information, write: Consumer Forum, Bangor Daily News, PO Box 1329, Bangor 04402-1329.