Appeal for lost pet
A mum made an emotional plea to find the missing cat that helps soothe her autistic son’s anxiety.
Collette O’Neil of Whitburn asked the public to keep an eye out for 10-year-old Ryoko, who helps Gabriel to sleep.
Collete said: “My eightyear- old son Gabriel has anxiety, as many autistic children have, and it manifests itself particularly at night while he is trying to sleep.
“Ryoko has taken it upon herself to help him get to sleep at nights.
“When she knows it’s time for his bedtime she will run into the room before him and jump on to the bed.
“She then lies with him until he falls asleep. It has eased his anxiety greatly. We hear a lot about assistance dogs helping autistic children but even everyday family pets can do this.
“Unfortunately Ryoko, who is an indoor cat, has gone missing.”
Collette said Gabriel is really missing his friend.
She added: “Ryoko has never been outside before.
“Gabriel now no longer has her support to help him sleep and his anxiety at night has returned.”
Ryoko, who is small and shy with green eyes and two white whiskers among her black whiskers, was last seen on Empire Street, Whitburn, on Tuesday last week.
Collette is offering a reward for anyone who finds Ryoko. Contact her at colletteoneil@ hotmail.co.uk.