Crossword Genius

California police try to return pampered pet (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

lapdog

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'pampered pet' is the definition.
'lapdog' can be an answer for 'pet' (I've seen this before). I'm unsure of the 'pampered' bit.

'california police try to return' is the wordplay.
'california police' becomes 'lapd' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'try' becomes 'go' (both can mean an attempt).
'to return' says the letters should be written backwards.
'go' backwards is 'og'.
'lapd'+'og'='LAPDOG'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for lapdog that I've seen before include "Pom, for one" , "Much petted pet" , "One readily submitting" , "lackey" , "One docile and subservient" .)

I've seen this clue in The Sun and The Times.
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