IRWIN, Pa. (AP) -- A champion show dog is missing in western Pennsylvania after he was apparently startled by Independence Day fireworks.

Quince the Australian shepherd fled from his handlers' home in Harrison City around 11 p.m. Wednesday.

Handler Jeffrey Hanlin says the 6-year-old dog leaped over a backyard fence during a fireworks display.

Hanlin tells WTAE-TV ( http://bit.ly/OcS19Y ) Quince is owned by Cincinnati Reds catcher Ryan Hanigan and his wife. Quince was supposed to compete in a show in West Virginia this weekend.

There's a $1,500 reward for Quince's return. Hanlin says Quince is very approachable and can be coaxed by someone using a "happy voice."

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Information from: WTAE-TV, http://www.thepittsburghchannel.com