'Cow Rustler' Hits Mr. Dunderbak's

Bessie has been “cownapped.”

The fake cow statue that has long stood outside beer garden and eatery went missing weeks ago and still has not turned up. Manager Kat Pickering said it was probably taken as some kind of practical joke.

“A lady called this morning and said she had seen a college kid running up the street with a cow,” said Pickering, adding the culprit has not been identified.

Customers of Mr. Dunderbak’s, 14929 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., have had their fun with the theft, including putting a picture of Bessie on a milk carton. Yet the so-called “mascot” is truly missed. Workers and customers would like to see her returned.

“We have had the cow for years,” Pickering said.

The blue and white bovine is a little more than 3 feet tall and has a “D” stamped on its forehead. It was donated by a Dutch cheese manufacturer, according to an ABC Action News story, and was popular with little kids and tipsy adults who would try to ride the "Dunder-Cow."

Workers discovered Bessie was gone when they went to take her inside for the evening, as they always do.

Mary A. Davis wrote this on the Mr. Dunderbak's Facebook page: "REALLY??? We always pet the cow before we walk in the door. And this right before the holidays too. What a Grinch!"

Keith Coker chimed in also: "as long as they didn't take the beer we are OK."

Know where Bessie is? If so, might offer you a thirst-quenching reward, Pickering said. “There may be some free beer in it for you."