It’s been a sad, frustrating and exhausting week for Grumbles’ keeper.
The friendly rooster at Cortez’s Swordfish Grill & Tiki Bar — known to most everyone who’s patronized the restaurant in the past four years — went missing the afternoon of June 12.
N.E. Taylor Boatworks secretary and Swordfish’s bookkeeper Jessica Barhitte has “looked everywhere.” She posted notices on Facebook — receiving more than 700 shares and “humbling and amazing” responses from people from Houston to the United Kingdom.
“I’ve checked out other roosters people have led me to. They’ve looked similar, but they weren’t my Grumblely boy,” she said.
Left on its own in the Swordfish parking lot at 4628 119th St. W. four years ago, the rooster entered Barhitte’s office, appearing stubborn and angry. But “30 minutes later he was sleeping on my lap,” Barhitte said.
Since then, the Bradenton Beach resident has fed, cared for and watched over the Crested Cream Legbar rooster.
“I really miss that bird. He’d follow me around like a puppy — he was really special,” she said.
Barhitte suspects someone who attended the busy event June 12 at the Swordfish Grill took him.
“I just hope whoever has him treats him well. A lot of people around here miss him,” she said.
Barhitte is offering a $300 reward for information leading to Grumbles’ safe return. She asks anyone who may have seen Grumbles to text her a photograph at 810-610-3401. — Kathy Prucnell