Worst restaurant theft?
Locals say the Tributary at 244 in Idaho Springs, Colo., is known for three things: its green chili, a proximity to the Rockies’ towering peaks, and the restaurant’s four-legged greeter, a dog named Rue. The 5-year-old Catahoula leopard dog would often hobnob with guests in the Tributary’s outdoor seating area, hoping one might throw something for him to fetch.
Then, earlier this week, he vanished.
The restaurant was closed the last time Rue was seen. The disappearance came after a man had strolled into the kitchen of the locked-up restaurant, explaining to someone there that he needed directions. He left as quickly as he’d arrived.
Alarmed, proprietor Matt Vogler did a quick check of the premises to ensure nothing was amiss, and realized the dog was gone. He told the local NBC affiliate that Rue had never wandered in all the time Vogler had him, and that he suspected the stranger had walked off with the pooch.
Vogler is offering a $5,000 reward for the return of Rue.