The dog did whatever its “I smell drugs” action was. No cats, and none of my dogs had been in the car for over a year.
It was nothing more than an intimidation and fishing expedition.
Your post was quite revealing...people are being subject to terrifying ‘no-knock raids’ (many resulting in death) based on the testimony of a frickin’ DOG??? I was told by an attorney that the use of these dogs are very controversial. Really? Then end it.
The dog made whatever the secret, nuanced "hit" gesture was. Only the trained dog handler can properly read the dog, so he is the final judge and jury when the dog hits. It works out great, the dog either hits or doesn't according to the general mood of the highly trained dog officer. If the dog tells the officer to tow your car into the shop and cut it completely apart only to find nothing, that means you previously had illegal drugs in there and you are under arrest.
I trust those dogs, it's the handlers interpreting for them who I don't trust.