Pat Josiah lost her rented home and many of her cats in a fire last Tuesday, and today she needs help.
Josiah lives with her feline family in a single-unit dwelling at 5-b Honduras in Frenchtown. She anticipates being able to move back into her home in about two months. The cement structure is in place, but the inside was gutted and damaged by smoke and water.
The American Red Cross is assisting her in a search for temporary lodgings. She is now staying in a local guesthouse.
Josiah is quite distressed, more about her cat family than herself.
"I found a little kitten still in the house," she said. "A neighbor heard him crying, and somehow, he escaped getting burned."
The kitten is now her sole companion.
"I hope they won't mind my taking him to the guesthouse," she said. "He's very small."
The remaining five cats are being cared for at the Humane Society. Hubert Brummart, shelter manager, said the shelter will care for them until Josiah is able to have them back in her home.
Initially, Dr. Andy Williamson donated his services, treating the cats for burns and smoke inhalation.
Josiah said fire officials told her the fire was probably of electric origin.
Known popularly around Frenchtown as the "cat lady," Josiah needs clothing and replacements for her furniture and household goods. Almost all her belongings were lost in the fire.
Donations may be sent to the American Red Cross, Nisky Center, Suite 222, St. Thomas, V.I. 00802.
