GOLD CANYON, Ariz. -- A Valley couple is asking for the public's help to find their lost dog, Chief.

The Bernese Mountain Dog escaped from his groomer in Apache Junction while waiting for a bath March 20.

His owners, Herb and Sue Hoffman, are offering a $1,000 reward for his return.

The snowbirds were planning to return home to Maryland last week, but now they're staying in the Valley to look for Chief.

"I mean, he's like part of our family. It's like losing a part of your family. This is the first dog we've ever lost, and we've had dogs for 50 some years. It's a part of our life that's gone," Herb Hoffman said.

Chief weighs 100 pounds.

He is black with a white chest, face, and brown on his legs.

He has been sighted in Apache Junction and Mesa.

If someone sees him, the owners ask he or she calls Apache Junction Animal Control at 480-648-1078.