Making Rounds with Oscar: The Extraordinary Gift of an Ordinary Cat

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!

As a cat lover, I was drawn to this book, but did not expect it to be both entertaining and informative. It exceeded all expectations. I would recommend it to everyone, not just cat lovers.

This book was more than just a good cat story. It had a full range of characters and emotions in the setting of a nursing home. It will make you laugh, cry, wonder, and best of all just enjoy the story. This is a definite 5ive.

I have been with audible.com for years and this book gets my 5 star stamp. (I haven't bothered writing a review on of the others.)

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.

Top 5. Need more Oscars in nursing homes. Comforting for patience and their families.
Takes himself and his percieved responsibilites seriously. He is like the quiet hand helping them make their final journey.

His determination not be pushed away from where he knew he was needed. Also, I have an elderly mom (90) it helped me to understand where she was at emotionally. I don't get as frustrated any more I just think Oscar! And I know she can't help what she does and says.

The most touching was when the jewish couple had their anniversary and the husband had to face the fact that the wife he loved was no longer able to connect with him. I think he went home and died of a broken heart. He was trying to hold on to the memory of her for so long. I think her reaction to him was quite a shock. One he never got over.

Would have loved to YES. My daughters and I all read it as a family book club book. We all enjoyed Oscar very much.

Are there anymore follow on books to Oscar or MiMi at Steere House?

I might think so - I always think the inflections on the authors voice really adds to the overall experience of story.

OSCAR of course!

He was great - he really had a wonderful way of changing up his voice...very good!

OF COURSE I cried. It brought back memories of my grandmother and the horrible experiences I had with her...BUT if she would have had animals to love in her facility she might have been happier.

I truly believe every facility SHOULD read this book! Then take a real good look at bringing animals to comfort their guests! I truly believe animals have a gift and I am SO happy people are bringing it to the public's attention!

This is more than a book about a remarkable cat who senses those who are about to die and accompanies them. It's about a physician who works with staff to escort these individuals during the final days of their lives and how they try to offer the best possible care. It's about living with dementia . . . and loving the person who

This is a must read for anyone who has a parent or spouse suffering from dementia. The author, Dr. Dosa, serves on the third floor of a nursing facility which made the choice of having pets to provide socialization and company to the patients. While Oscar, one of two cats on the third floor, is the central thread of the story, the take away is the decision making that is required by the relatives or spouse of the patient.

The insights provided by the author in assisting the decision making as to the level of care, and the guilt and confusion associated with these decisions, are invaluable. But even more important, are the reflections by the relatives in interviews taking place after the patient has passed away.

I had read about Dr. Dosa and the cat who could sense when a resident of the nursing home was about to die, but I didn't realize that this book delves into the stuggles the family members go through as they watch their loved ones lose their memories. Dr. Dosa has written a very engaging book, and I recommend it.