neongoats: Seriously. "It didn't have any tags!" is of course what a dog thief is going to say. It's the dog equivalent of "oh, sorry dude, wallet was empty when I found it, I swear!"

I know, just trying to point out there are other options, and most purebred dogs these days are microchipped.  Ask around at vets if they know who the dog belonged to.  Turn it in to animal control (where is usually the first place someone looks if their dog goes missing) or other local shelter/rescue.  Put up signs found dog.  Craigslist.

I hate the idea of "Gee, there's no tags.  Woo hoo, free dog to sell or give to family!"

Gizmo was returned in exchange for a pure-bred Yorkie puppy and a gift card for supplies ransom.

Sweet folks.