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)

Excellent Insight

Anyone who has a loved one with dementia should read this book. My father has suffered with dementia for several years, and this book gave me great insight into what we have gone through. It is comforting to hear how other people have dealt with dementia and how to better deal with it myself.

well written!

The narrator did an excellent job. I want to visit this facility. The nursing and staff are wonderful.

Coming to grips with Dementia

Found this an emotional read, having a parent and current client going through the exact struggles described in this book. Well worth the discomfort . I wholeheartedly recommend this to all families facing this diagnosis. Brings light to the emotional battle and that you are not alone.

Well written,Enligthening love oscar's loyality!

Where does Making Rounds with Oscar rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

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.

What did you like best about this story?

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.

Which scene was your favorite?

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.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

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

Any additional comments?

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

Braavo!

riveting, at times depressing, but i couldn' stop listening! One of the best accounts yet

Help when I needed it

I hesitated on this one. I knew that it would be sad and wasn't sure that I was in the right place for more sadness. But I love cats, and I believe that knowing the unknown makes the way a little easier to navigate when it's time. This book takes the reader gently by the hand and leads them through possible/probable scenarios in a way that makes them less scary. Still sad, and there is still the inevitability of it all looming, but manageable. The story arms the reader with a familiarity that, hopefully, will carry through to real life and prepare the mind more gently for what must certainly be dreaded events.
I looked around on the Steere House website to see the places that the events in the book took place. Oscar is there as well. I wish that all nursing homes could be like this. Thank you to the author and the many participants for so intimately sharing your story to ease the way for those of us who follow in your footsteps. I will keep this book in my library and listen to it again as I am looking at a long road going forward and will most assuredly need a reminder.

making rounds with oscar

awesome story. love the fact Oscar is a cat with special talents. a cat lover with 13 rescue cats I can attest to a cats mental abilities. Kudos to a book well done I loved it.

Very engaging!

This is a very touching and engaging story, that brought me peace of mind on some very difficult issues that we typically don't want to discuss.

A very perceptive outlook on Dementia

Dr. Dosa shares a very perceptive outlook on Dementia and the experiences of families of Alzheimer patients. The stories open a wonderful and candid view of what patients and caregivers experience: the frustrations, disappointments, and feelings of ineptitude they feel when faced with dealing with this disease.
Oscar the cat and other animals show us how they become effective sources of support, bringing joy and ease the pain of losing our loved ones.

Comforting and entertaining!

I was Apprehensive about listening to this audiobook because my mom went to Heaven nine months ago… I lost her through dementia, Glaucoma and a brain tumor. I took care of her for four years, the last two were 24–7. I was everything to her, including being her Seeing-Eye daughter :-) It is what love does! This book was very comforting... I would recommend it to anyone who has been through or is going through caring for a loved one… Thank you for sharing your Oscar story! Pets are so amazing and wise!