[my_pointy_head_is_sharp]

an identifying microchip implanted in Buddy's skin ... Ortega said he had been scouring the area for his dog since he ran away about two weeks ago

Wouldn't the chip have helped the man find his dog? If not, what's the point of the chip?

[Rte66]

Somebody has to find the dog first, then they have to be equipped with the right kind of scanner. It did work out right, once he put his paw down and refused to budge from the ER until he got waited on!