Making Rounds with Oscar
The Extraordinary Gift of an Ordinary Cat
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4.7 • 38 Ratings
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- $10.99
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- $10.99
Publisher Description
A remarkable cat. A special gift. A life-changing journey.
They thought he was just a cat. When Oscar arrived at the Steere House Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Rhode Island he was a cute little guy with attitude. He loved to stretch out in a puddle of sunlight and chase his tail until he was dizzy. Occasionally he consented to a scratch behind the ears, but only when it suited him. In other words, he was a typical cat. Or so it seemed. It wasn't long before Oscar had created something of a stir. Apparently, this ordinary cat possesses an extraordinary gift: he knows instinctively when the end of life is near. Oscar is a welcome distraction for the residents of Steere House, many of whom are living with Alzheimer's. But he never spends much time with them -- until they are in their last hours. Then, as if this were his job, Oscar strides purposely into a patient's room, curls up on the bed, and begins his vigil. Oscar provides comfort and companionship when people need him most. And his presence lets caregivers and loved ones know that it's time to say good-bye. Oscar's gift is a tender mercy. He teaches by example: embracing moments of life that so many of us shy away from. Making Rounds with Oscar is the story of an unusual cat, the patients he serves, their caregivers, and of one doctor who learned how to listen. Heartfelt, inspiring, and full of humor and pathos, this book allows readers to take a walk into a world rarely seen from the outside, a world we often misunderstand.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Dosa, a geriatrician with a strong aversion to cats, tells the endearing story of Oscar the cat, the aloof resident at a nursing home who only spends time with people who are about to die. Despite hearing numerous stories about Oscar's uncanny ability to predict when a patient's time is nearing, Dosa, ever the scientist, remains skeptical. Slowly, he starts to concede that there may be something special about Oscar. Dosa starts to pay more attention to the cat's decidedly odd behavior, noticing that Oscar seeks out the dying, snuggles with the patient and family members until the patient passes; with others, he smells the patient's feet, sits outside a closed door until admitted, or refuses to leave a dying patient's bed. Dosa discovers how powerfully Oscar's mere presence reassures frightened or grieving family. Ultimately, the good doctor realizes that it doesn't matter where Oscar's gift comes from; it's the comfort he brings that's important. This touching and engaging book is a must-read for more than just cat lovers; anyone who enjoys a well-written and compelling story will find much to admire in its unlikely hero.
Customer Reviews
Loved this story
The timing of this book for me was eerie. I buy my books from the $5 list and when this one popped up I had just taken in a stray cat who we named Oscar. He is such a unique cat and I’ve been struggling to figure him out. It was reading this story that helped me to understand and appreciate the specialness that is Oscar. It’s like both Oscar’s knew I needed this book right now.
Making rounds with Oscar
I’m not a nursing or med student but this book was assigned for my psychology minor, it’s unbelievable how real life this book is. Both of my grandmothers had Alzheimer’s and I still remember the day my grandmother no longer remembered me. I was heartbroken but like this book, it teaches to remember who the person is, not what they’ve become due to their illness. Life becomes very messy when you go to visit someone who helped raise you and see fear in their eyes because they’re not quite sure of who you are. It really takes the wind out of your sails after the many visits and the back and forth of good and bad (really bad days). This book about a cat and the families really shows how complicated and simple this process is.
Good read
This is s wonderful book, especially because it is true. I plan to purchase additional copies of this book for gifts.