Pug is Priceless, Court Says

A New Jersey appeals court says a pet's value to its owner can't be measured in money alone.
    
In deciding a dispute over custody of a 7-year-old pug named Dexter, a three-judge panel concluded that a pet -- like a family heirloom -- has a "special subjective value.''
    
The court said Tuesday that a judge's award of $1,500 wasn't sufficient compensation for Doreen Houseman of Williamstown, whose former fiance kept the dog after they broke up despite an oral agreement that she could have it.
    
Houseman did have the dog for nine months after her breakup with Eric Dare. But she says he wouldn't give Dexter back after she let him care for it while she went on vacation.
    
Houseman went to court and a judge gave her the money but wouldn't enforce her custody claim.