The fact that this trainer thought she could swap out Scott for another GSD is shockingly unbelievable. Any pet parent can distinguish between their own pet and others that look very similar. There are subtle appearances and behaviors. That's at the level of thinking you can replace someone's kid with a lookalike and get away with it.

The trainer's claim that she is not responsible is emperor's new clothes material.

The trainer is clearly guilty of fraud in this case. If Scott escaped in Humboldt as claimed, why does she still have the tracking collar? And where did the replacement dog come from?
Did she just use one of her other client's dogs? I think not.

I suspect (and hope) that there is a large pure-bred dog stealing ring that's about to get busted.

@Jerry there are quite a few beautiful pure-bred GSD on 24poetconnect and in the breed specific rescues. Even in Humboldt County.

Wasn't Scott Microchipped? If not, would seem the first thing you would do upon bringing him to USA.