By Kathryn Reed

A half dozen protesters came and went from outside Broc’s Puppies on Sunday.

The atmosphere between them and workers at the South Lake Tahoe store were friendly, with coffee and cookies brought out to the sign carrying group.

The protesters were startled at one point when a firecracker came flying out of a vehicle and landed about 5 feet from the nearest person.

Protesters contend the store sells sick puppies acquired them from puppy mill breeders.

The store says its breeders are legitimate and has a policy to pay some veterinarian bills when appropriate.

A group which wants the store to close plans to go before the City Council at its meeting at Lake Tahoe Airport on Jan. 12.

The store must close in spring 2011 because of a city ordinance that became law last year.