Have a cow, man

COEUR d'ALENE - There really is no sacred cow.

Not even in Coeur d'Alene.

Just ask Jeff and Tracy Gagnon.

All weekend, the owners of Paris Flea Market were asked one question over and over and over:

"Where's your cow?"

They would love to know.

The fiberglass, brown and white cow that stood in front of their antique store was stolen Friday night. Since, the Gagnons and their customers have been wondering who took it, and why.

"That cow is like everybody's friend. Everyone loves that cow," Tracy Gagnon said Monday. "It's a popular cow."

According to a Coeur d'Alene Police report, someone cut the chains that anchored the cow in place at 1815 N. Fourth St. between 6:30 and 9 p.m. Friday.

Tracy said two shopping carts were taken from the store next door, and she believes someone might have used those to haul off the cow.

"Jeffrey said it would be pretty easy for someone to carry the cow, as it only weighs approximately 70 pounds," the report said.

"They ripped the whole thing out," Tracy Gagnon said.

The cow is missing a portion of its tail, and the Gagnons still have it.

The Gagnons bought the cow at an estate sale two years ago for $2,800. It was believed to be from the 1940s.

Tracy said the cow quickly became a leading attraction, with folks often posing with it for pictures. Paris Flea Market was at 823 N. Fourth St. before moving to its new location earlier this year.

She said people have asked about buying the cow. The answer was always no.

"It's our store mascot," she said.

Tracy Gagnon said the cow survived past abuses. It had a few bullet holes, and was occasionally knocked over.

"That's how his tail broke off," she said.

Friday's theft has been the talk of the town. People have been calling, visiting, and vowing to search until the cow comes home.

"Everybody's come in, 'Where's your cow, where's your cow?'" Tracy said. "It's a huge thing for Paris Flea Market."

She's hoping that it's a prank and the cow will be returned, or perhaps whoever took it will feel guilty or decide it's bad luck to steal a sacred cow.

"I would love to have him back," she said.