Most of us know about the stereotypical “Cat Lady.” She is that one old woman who stays to herself, with a house full of cats. People jump to assume the worst upon hearing this and wonder why someone would take on the name with pride. Being a cat lover myself, this is no mystery to me.
The real question is… Have you ever heard of a “Cat Man”? Junior Sam Rosso is a dedicated cat lover, owning two cats and a dog. Originally from Torrington, Connecticut, Rosso moved to Florida when he was four years young, ending up in Sarasota, Florida. “I chose USF because the student environment is amazing,” Rosso said.
Rosso is currently majoring in biology because he has, “… always wanted to have an occupation that involved animals.” After interning at a vet clinic his senior year of high school, Rosso said that he knew it was the right choice.
After graduating, Rosso is focusing on getting a job with Mote Marine, which is a marine biology based rescue center located in Sarasota for turtles, dolphins and other sea creatures.
So what exactly is so special about this fellow cat lover, you ask?
One of Rosso’s favorite things about USF are the cats. Most know that USF is famous for its crazy squirrels and ducks, but what Rosso is most focused on is the vast majority of cats roaming on campus. About four times a week, this cat lover goes out and feeds the cats. He keeps his house stocked with bags of cat food and has become close to the cats that he has fed. With names like Mr. Jefferson (because he looks old), Cyclops (because he has only one eye), and Snowball (whom he rescued and is now living at a friends home), you can see that Rosso really cares about these cats.
When asked what he wants to be known for, Rosso said, “Before I graduate, I want to be on the cover of ‘The Oracle’ for what I do around campus. I want my name to be known around this school, even if it involves being labeled as a crazy cat man.
One thing Rosso wants to do before he dies is to try and cureFeline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP), which is an immune virus that his cat Krzyzewski has. “It means that his immune system cannot fight off easily beatable illnesses and he gets sick really quick. There is no cure for it as of now, but there is prevention for cats that don’t have it.” Rosso explains.
With Rosso’s already proved dedication and love through feeding, volunteering at shelters, and teaching kids to love their animals and help prevent animal abuse while being a camp counselor, he is bound for great things in the animal world.
Rosso’s biggest influence in his life is his grandpa because, “He was my father figure throughout growing up. He was my best friend and taught me how to be myself, to not be afraid of anything, and to chase whatever my heart desires”. Whether that may be a “crazy cat man” or a marine biologist, I am sure his grandfather is proud.