THE York "panther" riddle took a bizarre twist today, when a dog owner claimed the beast could be his missing German Shepherd.

As reports of big cat sightings continue to be made to the Evening Press, Yan Gorczynski is certain the mystery animal is his faithful pet.

Schindler's - named after the industrialist Oskar Schindler, who helped save Jews from the Holocaust - ran away a year ago.

Mr Gorczynski, who lives in Dunnington, spotted the resemblance when reading Saturday's Evening Press about sightings of a panther-style creature roaming the Hull Road area.

He said: "It may look like a panther but it's not - it's my German Shepherd. He's massive."

Mr Gorczynski, 53, had three dogs - Oskar, Schindler's and List, named as a homage to the man immortalised in Steven Spielberg's award-winning epic, Schindler's List.

But Schindler's raced off when Mr Gorczynski was filling up his motor home at a Tadcaster Road petrol station. Despite a frantic search, the dog vanished without a trace. Now his owner, who used to live in the Melrosegate area, is convinced he's a cat's whisker away from a dramatic reunion with his four-legged friend.

He said: "I just know it's him roaming the streets where I used to live.

"I'd love to have him back. I'm missing him."

However, Mr Gorczynski warned that Schindler's, who he described as "soft as anything", will only answer to his owner's whistle.

Anyone who spots the animal should call him on 07821 603630.

Updated: 10:33 Wednesday, April 14, 2004