I did a story on this wonderful lady back in early january entitled “300 cats, yes. craziness, no” and it’s wonderful to see the publicity that she has now received on the today show. She’s a truly wonderful woman with a huge heart.
The term “cat lady” typically brings to mind that crotchety neighbor down the block with a strange affinity for felines. Siglinda Scarpai is not that “cat lady.”
“I have to raise $20,000 every month,” Scarpai explained. “And what I do, I put it on my credit card and little by little, I pay ’em back.”
Rappaport says her nonprofit Goathouse Refuge is particularly important because many shelter cats are never adopted. She was humbled by Scarpai’s dedication to the animals, including the many felines that live in her home.
Scarpai knows each and every one of her cats’ names (like Pappagino and Massimo) and their individual histories.
“This woman is a hero to me,” Rappaport gushed. “An angel to all the animals that were so blessed to end up in her care, and then hopefully will all end up in permanent wonderful homes.”
Because of attention from TODAY viewers, Scarpai’s website,GoathouseRefuge.org, has crashed. Until it’s back up you can reach her at (919) 542-6815 or (919) 542-6813.
