A hard-bitten “cowboy” vanished last weekend from Charburger Restaurant in Hood River — and the owners are offering a $500 reward for his return, dead or alive.

“Gabby was a really fitting name for him. He liked to tell tall tales to our customers,” said Ken Bausch, owner of the business.

Gabby is described as a 6-foot tall and 180-pound male mannequin-type figure. He was outfitted in Western clothing and armed with a six-shooter — but Bausch said the gun was made of plastic so there is no danger to the public.

“The only thing that Gabby ever seemed capable of was frightening children,” he said.

The cowpoke replica sat near the front door as the official “greeter.” Through a microphone hooked up to his mouth, employees were able to give the appearance that he was “talking.”

The shock of having a stationary figure speak to them — sometimes by name — sent many a child scrambling for the safety of his/her parent’s arms.

Last weekend, Gabby was banished to the rear of the dining room while painting was underway. Bausch said it appears that an unknown thief took him out of a side door on Sunday while no one was looking.

“I really don’t know why anyone would want to steal him. But, if we don’t get him back, we’re going to have to bite the bullet and buy a new one,” he said.

Bausch said the mannequin has a cash value of about $3,200 — but the sentimental value is much higher. He said Gabby had been a part of the Charburger experience for more than 25 years.