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Description and Opinions
Product 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. Praise for Making Rounds With Oscar "I love this book -- Oscar has much to teach us about empathy and courage. I couldn't put it down." -Sarah Gruen, author of Water for Elephants "At its heart, Dosa's search is more about how people cope with death than Oscar's purported ability to predict it." -The Associated Press "Beautifully written, heartwarming [...] Told with profound insight and great respect for all involved, this is more than just a cat story (although it will appeal to fans of Vicki Myron's Dewey)." -Library Journal "You'll be moved." -People
Beautiful story with something to be learned  Great book - a quick read with interesting stories about patients, families, caregivers, and cats. It will teach you something about dementia, the struggles that families endure when a loved one has dementia, hospice care (beyond the typical cancer patient), the significance of animal therapy, and the unique behaviors of Oscar the cat. It was touching, funny, and bittersweet. Highly recommend.
Spiritual Cat  Making Rounds with Oscar is a book I could hardly put down, & surprisingly I found it a great spiritual-growth type read. Always having been an animal lover, Oscar proves that often animals are more in-tune with the really important issues of life - i.e. being present with people at times of deepest need. A great book & a wonderful cat!! I think tere are more Oscar's out there - we just don't take time to know that. Mary Ann Cauthen
Extraordinary and enigmatic story  Animals have greater capacities than we generally give them credit for. This is an extraordinary and enigmatic story. Recommended.
feline vigil  Delightful story about Oscar and one of the best books I have read regarding Dementia and its affects on whole families. It was deeply healing, and opened up different perspectives about [human] end of life choices.
Great Read  An amazing read. I am a Fellow in Geriatrics and this is a must read for anyone who is going to be working with older patients. Very Inspirational. |