RICHMOND, Va. – There are at least 26 cats in need of a new home after their owner was hit and killed while crossing Jeff Davis Highway on Christmas Day.

Seventy-year-old Bernard Gusti , also known as Joe, died while he walked to get a birthday card for his girlfriend. He was struck dead by two cars.

The veteran was also an animal lover. Together Joe and his girlfriend Virginia rescued 26 cats because they were afraid they would get killed on the busy road.

“It is so sad that Joe met the fate he worried his beloved pets would face,” wrote the animal rescue group Richardsons Rescue RVA.

Virginia, who has a leg injury, needs to relocate to Texas where her children are and she can't take all of the cats.

“They are so social and well balanced. They really have some amazing personalities. Please help in any way you can,” the agency wrote.

The organization said that all of the cats are up to date on their shots, and are spayed or neutered.

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