Russian circus offering $14,000 for missing poodle

CHEBOKSARY, Russia, Sept. 20 (UPI) -- The manager of a Russian circus offering a $14,000 reward for the return of a trick-performing poodle said the canine must have caught the scent of a female.

Viktor Rassadin said Pers the poodle ran away from his trainer with the St. Petersburg-based circus before a performance this week in the city of Cheboksary, RIA Novosti reported Friday.

"He must have sensed a female dog nearby and got to chasing it. He's male, after all," Rassadin said.

Rassadin said the circus will seek a replacement for Pers if he is not found by next week.