I’ve heard of many narcolepsy service dogs, but a narcolepsy service bird?  Sadly, I learned of this amazing umbrella cockatoo named Laura, today because she was stolen last week from Southern California resident, Walfrid Whittington as he walked down the street in Los Angeles. The cockatoo helps treat Whittington’s narcolepsy and depression.

Whittington reported that the suspect came up to him, snatched the bird off his shoulder and ran off. Whittington has received another service bird to help him medically but he says Laura is irreplaceable.

I imagine it’s a one-of-a-kind bird to be in tune with the symptoms of narcolepsy and my heart aches for Whittington in losing his pet in such a heartless crime. I will be out REM-Running and on the look out for Laura.

Whittington says a local pet shop saw a man come in and try to sell the bird for $1,000, but police have not been able to locate the suspect. If you have any information about this case, you’re urged to call the LAPD Rampart Division at (213) 484- 3400.

Full story: http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/story?section=news/state&id=9252184