Making Rounds with Oscar

The Extraordinary Gift of an Ordinary Cat

By: David Dosa M.D.

Narrated by: Ray Porter

Length: 6 hrs and 34 mins

Publisher's summary

Oscar the cat has a very special skill. An otherwise ordinary cat—he'd sooner give you his back or a sideways glance than curl up on your lap—Oscar has the uncanny ability to predict when people are about to die. Adopted by staff members at Steere House nursing home when he was a kitten, the three year-old cat has presided over the deaths of more than twenty-five nursing home residents thus far. His mere presence at the bedside is viewed by physicians and nursing home staff as an almost absolute indicator of impending death – a blessing, really, because it allows staff members to notify families that the end is near. Oscar is highly regarded by the physicians and staff at Steere House and by the families of the residents whom he serves because he provides companionship to those who would otherwise have died alone.

When Dr. David Dosa, an attending physician at Steere House, wrote about Oscar in the New England Journal of Medicine, the response was tremendous, with coverage everywhere from Today to People to CNN. Now Dr. Dosa expands his story, using the cat and the stories of several patients to examine end-of-life care as it exists today. Heartfelt, inspiring and sometimes even funny, it allows readers into a world rarely seen from the outside and often misunderstood.

©2010 David Dosa (P)2010 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

“Oscar captured my heart, and Dr. Dosa opened my mind. This extraordinary book offers a physician's perspective on death and dying, as well as insights on family love, companionship without question, and the life lessons that only the old can provide. As if that weren't enough, it proves the old adage: there are no ordinary cats.” (Brenda Copeland, editor)

"[The] book, both touching and humorous, isn’t just about Oscar. It’s about listening and letting go." (Craig Wilson, USA Today)

Great story, not always easy to listen to

This was an excellent, well written/spoken book. Performance is well done as well. It sheds light on the various stages of dementia, effects on family members, and care. Though not always easy to listen to and I would often get teary-eyed, I recommend this story if you are interested in medicine, care to learn or are aware of family struggles with dementia, care options, and effects of animals in our lives and the comfort they can bring.

What a gem of a story ♡

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the heartwarming and sometimes heartbreaking stories of the patients at Steere House and their special relationship with Oscar the cat. It was well written and enjoyable to listen to also. Being of the "sandwich generation" and taking care of my dear Mom until her passing while also trying to be a good parent and wife gave me a better understanding of the stresses and struggles of a caretaker. I have no doubt that sweet lil Oscar has helped many patients as they make their journeys from this world and into the next. Our beloved Boston Terrier "Erma" was right beside Mom when she took her last breath and stayed in the bed while I gave Mom her last bath, changed her gown and waited for the coroner to arrive. Seeing little Erma actually shedding real tears as they took Mom out the door just broke my heart even more but that dog was at Mom's side (and then my own side) for the hardest days of my life. Our pets aren't "like our family" they Are our family! I'm glad to know that Oscar has been there for his family too, all 41 rooms of them. Thank heaven for the gentle creatures of this world. We can learn a lot from them if we just give them a chance and stay present in mind as they are. Again, this was a wonderful book and a pleasure to listen to and I highly recommend you check it out.

wonderful book

wonderful book . the voice was perfect. listened to this book in 2 days. highly recommend

Wonderful!

I would give it 6 stars if I could. Sweet, touching, profound. Perfect narration. Highly recommended not only for cat lovers but

So glad I picked it

I admit that the cat angle is what grabbed me but, for anyone who has been a caregiver for a person with dementia, it is so much more. I have struggled with many of the issues raised in the book and it helped me get past some of the guilt and frustration that inevitably fall upon you during such a journey. Yes, some of the stories are sad but each patient is treated with such empathy, understanding and patience. If I’m unfortunate to become a dementia patient myself I pray that my doctors and nurses are as caring as these. And I hope they have some furry creatures to love on.

Amazingly sweet story

I’m a cat lover. My husband and I were my mom’s live-in caregivers the last 4 years of her life; we inherited her two kitties when she passed. I am also a nurse and have spent much of my career in acute care where many of the patients I cared for were elderly. This story touched me in so many ways. End-of-life decisions, healthcare in our country, aging, relationships, dementia, caregiver issues, pet therapy, long term care…so many important topics woven into a beautiful story. I would recommend this book to all I know.

Very -touching

Death and aging are often difficult topics to breach, and hard to write about in a manner that is both sensitive, yet lighthearted. Strange mix, I know. Dr. Dosa's writing deals with both in a very sensitive and touching manner. Throughout the story, I learned about a lot more than a really neat cat, although that was my initial reason for reading this is the first place. I learned about people's experiences with death and dying as well as their experiences with aging. It encompasses a wide variety of topics and does so in a manner that gives the reader a feeling for the amount of respect which Dr. Dosa has for all the people (and animals :) ) in the book. It's written in a very personal tone, and I think that really adds to the already extraordinary story of Oscar. Beside the tough topics of death, aging and illness, the author manages to put in some lighthearted anecdotes which lift the mood when appropriate. It's a very well balanced book-not overwhelmingly depressing, but very touching. It's a great story if you are interested in amazing animals. A well done book. I highly recommend this title to people of all interests. The narration is also very good-hard to "put down," so to speak. Enjoy!

Oscar is more of a background character

This is more about how families, nurses and the doctor care for people with severe dementia. Oscar is more of a background character, but it adds interest. How can he know when someone is about to pass away? There was a lot of information on Alzheimer's disease and how it affects the caregivers and families of the patient. I learned a lot from this book, even though it is a little depressing.

Superb read

Wonderful. well narrated. Exceptional story. will reread I am certain. A must read for families.

CAT-A-WONDROUS!

If your over” 50” JUST READ IT! You will be telling every one you know, also, just read it!!