Rick,
I have had that unfortunate experience twice in my life. The first was long ago but never forgotten as it was a week before Christmas. The most recent was similar to your experience, because nothing was taken, but bleach was poured onto clothes that were left in the washing machine. Now, the injury to any family member including your dog, is much more important than stolen or damaged items which can be replaced.
Video cameras seem to be a good idea. I read once that Terrier's make very good security dogs because they are sneaky (usually hard to see) and don't give away their position (growl or bark) until they have the intruder in position. The family dog will bark at your arrival, or to warn you if you are home, but alone they stalk and surprise. Of course, I don't know how much of that is training versus instinct.
In the incident that occurred before Christmas, I was highly suspect that it was someone who knew me. I had received a suspicious phone call at my work number just prior to the break in. I was there late (but not as late as my usual shift). When we (the party I was waiting for at work) arrived at the apartment we appeared to have surprised the thieves as they knocked over some plants on their exit from the back patio doors, and took some less expensive stereo equipment and left the more expensive stuff behind.
When my roomate heard and returned home, I recall very clearly that we (and our girlfriends) just silently sat in the living room staring for about a half hour into the empty space left in the entertainment center where the relic of a TV used to sit.
