GPS is a good thing but it is easily removed - and all experienced dog thieves will do this as soon as they pick the dog up. To the best of my knowledge there are none that can be inserted into the body cavity - yet.
Suspect it was a local rat that did this to you. When my border collie was stolen 5 years ago I went to the main suspect and told her - quietly and very, very politely - that if the dog was not back within 24 hours some night I would come by and burn the house down with them in it. I would go to jail with my head held high. It was not a threat it was a promise - and they would never know when it was going to happen. She knew my background and knew from my very quiet manner that I was dead serious.
Dog came back inside the time limit. No one else has had a dog stolen around here in this community since that day. Prior to that it was a common happening.
Have a chat with a few folks in your region - police, dog catcher and local rescue outfits - ask around and you will find they all know someone who is in on the dog stealing biz - those dogs often get sold to experimental outfits for drug testing.
Chip your dog - because a GPS can be removed - but the experimental folks all scan your dog prior to using it for experimental stuff - at least the reputable ones do.
Mine has a note attached to the national number - yeah - spend the money and register it on the national data base. Otherwise it might only be listed on the local data base. The note states categorically:
"If the person who presented this Border Collie does not have the last name XXXXX - this dog is stolen. Call police immediately. Reward offered."
I looked at this site and they are all collar mounts or similar - I could not find one that was placed in the animal.
https://www.thepawtracker.com/blogs/the ... 6-reviewed
So - chip the dog anyways. It truly will be your last line of defense.
Glad you go the pup back. In this day and age I have to admit having a good dog around seems to beat having a heck of a pile of people around.
Tell your son I am truly happy for him - but it is also a lesson. Anything of value can and often will be taken. If the dog is out - he should be out too.
My best - and give that dog a pat on the head for me - I would never have owned a Border Collie but one was "forced upon me" - now I would
never be without one.
My best.
L