My boxer was stolen when he was pup- we drove up and down the streets looking for him - then one day I saw him tied up at a house - well, I marched myself up there and got my dog - hubby said that was not safe - but I wasn't thinking - I was pissed!
Also, I had a precious boston terrier get stolen out of my yard -years ago. So I started Driving around local parks on warm days - I found my pup being walked by a young man - I played it off like they had "rescued him" paid them "reward money" and walked away with my dog -
Sounds like I live in bad neighborhoods - I don't -idiots think they can make money off of bostons and boxers because they look like pitt bulls.
Anyway, my point is, keep your eyes open - drive around - and carry a photo and the papers of your dog in your car. If spot your dog - be careful- and see if you can talk em out of it - by using the "reward money".