|
Making Rounds with Oscar: The Extraordinary Gift of an Ordinary Cat |  | Author: David Dosa
Publisher: Hyperion
Category: Book
List Price: $23.99
Buy New: $5.76
as of 7/29/2010 14:45 CDT details
You Save: $18.23 (76%)
New (42) Used (24) Collectible (2) from $5.59
Seller: TOTAL BOOKS
Rating:  130 reviews
Sales Rank: 1947
Media: Hardcover
Edition: 1
Pages: 240
Number Of Items: 1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.9
Dimensions (in): 9.3 x 6.4 x 1
ISBN: 1401323235
Dewey Decimal Number: 362.1756
EAN: 9781401323233
ASIN: 1401323235
Publication Date: February 2, 2010
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
| |
| Features:
| • | ISBN13: 9781401323233 | | • | Condition: New | | • | Notes: BUY WITH CONFIDENCE, Over one million books sold! 98% Positive feedback. Compare our books, prices and service to the competition. 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed |
|
| Also Available In:
|
| Similar Items:
| |
| Editorial Reviews:
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
|
| Customer Reviews:
Showing reviews 1-5 of 130
 Even better than you think! February 1, 2010
Rushmore (CHICAGO, IL United States)
54 out of 56 found this review helpful
OK so here is this book with this cool cat on the cover, and you think there is something neat about the whole concept. Maybe you have already heard there is this cat that knows when people are going to die. Well, it's way more than that. This book, written by a doctor who is not actually a cat person, is more of a tribute to those creatures, human as well as feline, who allow advanced dementia patients to die with dignity.
I imagine that Steere House will not be lacking for residents after this moving depiction. Needless to say, it is heart-wrenching for any family member to place his/her loved one in a nursing home, probably more so when the loved one has dementia. What a gift to know that Steere House exists, where the staff is compassionate, even loving, and treats their residents like family. Where a cat moved in while the building was still under construction, and the management took it as a sign that animals were meant to live there along with the patients. Personally, I find dementia to be a pretty scary topic and generally try not to think about it. The author is a geriatrician who makes it real, even if still mysterious. He interviews family members who speak courageously and honestly about losing their loved ones, and how it helped to have Oscar there at the end.
I learned that hospice is not just for the very end of life, and it is about much more than medical care.
I learned that people who refuse to eat at the natural end of their lives are not starving themselves.
I learned that there is a lot we don't know about dementia, but we are learning more all the time.
Dr. Sosa writes in a very easy, straightforward style. His patients and their families are very lucky people.
I can't recommend this book highly enough. It made me laugh and, yes, cry, but mostly it just made me feel better in general. Losing a loved one to dementia is about the most horrible experience one can contemplate, but afer reading this book I feel like I could cope. And Oscar is a pretty amazing cat too.
Dying Slowing With Dementia....... January 31, 2010
Kiwi (The Land of Enchantment)
46 out of 54 found this review helpful
The cover of this book has a beautiful photo of Oscar, who is a resident kitty at Steere House nursing home. Oscar has the same gifts as most animals: an understanding of two different dimensions and life unfolding in each one of them. There is no death. But he serves to guide the spirit to the other side with dignity and compassion.
Now, if you think this book is really about Oscar and his abilities, you'd be wrong. It's really a way for the author to make us aware of the chronic diseases called Alzheimer's, Dementia and Lewy Body Dementia (LBD). Even more so, it's an understanding that people do not recover from these diseases and should be able to pass into spirit with grace. The behavior of the caretakers; children, spouses, siblings, etc., has been brought under a microscope throughout the book. We see their helplessness, fear and unacceptance to let go. They're wrong to argue for more tests and treatments. They're lost in a sea of chaotic emotion.
I'm a big believer in end-of-life choices and releasing souls with honor. Anyone who is in or will soon be in a position of caretaker, will absorb great wisdom from this author's words and advice. I praise him for bringing this crucial issue to the forefront and for running this motif throughout the book.
If it weren't for Oscar, this book would not have been written. We owe our gratitude to the enlightened one.
PURRFECT in Every Way February 2, 2010
Eclectic Booklover (US)
13 out of 15 found this review helpful
On July 27, 2007 Oscar the amazing cat who seemed to be able to predict the imminent death of patients at Steere House Nursing and Rehab Center in Providence, Rhode Island made the AP news . Oscar was a stray cat that began to wander the construction site of the current facility, and one day, shortly after the dedication ceremony, he decided to take a tour of the completed facility....."At first the staff tried to shoo the animal away, to no avail, each day the cat returned undaunted, through the lobby's sliding glass doors. His attitude was one of entitlement." He was finally allowed to stay and named Oscar after the building's benefactor.
Oscar was not the only animal that resided at the nursing home. Steere House was unlike other nursing homes in the area. At Steere House, several cats, rabbits and birds resided there, and the residents seemed to enjoy having them there as well. Oscar had not been a very sociable cat during his first year at the nursing and rehab center. He was not one to cuddle up to staff residents or family members. However, one day they found him laying on the bed, purring next to Mrs. Davis, a dementia patient. Dr.Dosa, who was not fond of cats, went to pet Oscar and he hit his hand with his paw refusing to budge from the bed. The doctor examined Mrs Davis, and then left the facility, and about one hour latter the nurse called Dr. Dosa to let him know that Mrs. Davis had passed away. The doctor could not believe what he was hearing; he just left his patent.
Mary, the charge nurse, told Dr. Dosa that this behavior and pattern of Oscars, was not new. In fact it had happened 5-6 times before. The patients were examined, no staff members sensed anything was wrong, and then Oscar would enter the room and sit vigil on the bed of the resident. After a few hours all of these patients peacefully passed away. Suddenly doctors and staff took notice, as to who Oscar choose to visit, and it wasn't long before Oscar had created quite a stir. This ordinary cat instinctively seemed to know when the end of life was near.
MY THOUGHTS - I LOVED this book, and not just because I love cats -- it's full of beautiful quotes about cats, and the story just made me feel good all over. Dr. Dosa has written a book that compassionately addresses end of life issues. The stories he shares about residents and their families who must deal with such painful issues such as Alzheimer's Disease and other forms of dementia, and terminal illness, are tender and heartfelt. The book cites amazing examples of unexpected deaths, as well as miracles in other residents who had been expected to die. There is valuable information about hospice, and the book even touches on that expression "the sweet smell of death", and how perhaps Oscar, may have been able to smell elevated level of chemical compounds which are believed to be released as cells die off." If you like to read tender stories about amazing animals, or need a touching, compassionate read about life, death and dying, this book will not disappoint you. Dewey the Small - Town Library Cat may have touched the world in 2008, but more over Dewey, Oscar is the cat everyone will be talking about in 2010. READ THIS BOOK it's AWESOME! (5/5 stars)
Heart Warming February 22, 2010
Coffy6 (Trenton, NJ United States)
6 out of 6 found this review helpful
This book is about so much more than the extraordinary powers of Oscar the cat. It is about the compassionate Dr. Dosa and his caring staff at Steere House. It also gives a strong voice to Dementia and the damage and confusion it causes the elderly and their loved ones. I liked Dr. Dosa's approach in interviewing family members of deceased patients in an attempt to get a better understanding of Oscar's work. Dr. Dosa has to be one of the most down to earth and selfless doctors in this country. Although he can find no medical explanation for Oscar's abilities, he still recognizes that this beautiful creature provides a very necessary service to the Steere House patients and their families. To die alone has to be one of the harshest realities. To watch a loved one die is absolute agony. I just hope Oscar's fame encourages more geriatric medical facilities to add animals to their wards in some capacity. I can only hope that an animal as sensitive and caring as Oscar is around when it is my time to go.
Oscar is truly an amazing cat. This wonderful creature makes sure no one dies alone or grieves alone on his watch. In return, he earns the eternal gratitude of the families...not to mention some well earned affection. Some of the patients' family members were alone when their loved ones were dying and having Oscar there gave them great comfort. Some patients had no family left and would have died alone if not for Oscar's presence.
This book will make you laugh and it will make you cry. If you have ever lost a loved one to Alzheimers or Dementia, this book will give you insight on their suffering. If you have ever felt the unconditional love of a pet, you will come to love Oscar. If you feel that all doctors lack compassion, Dr. Dosa will prove you wrong. Please read this book, it may restore your faith in miracles.
A definite read - especially for those who have family with dementia February 2, 2010
carolyn (Canal Winchester, OH)
14 out of 17 found this review helpful
What an adorable book! Dr. Dosa does a marvelous job in taking us through the world of dementia, how it affects the patients, as well as the family. But the cat, Oscar, is the star of the show. How he instinctively knows when a patient is going to pass away is almost uncanny. I have had cats that know when you're sick and will come and sit with you until you're better, but I can't say I've ever known one that knew when someone was about to die. It is a comforting tale of a very special cat, one that brings comfort to all he meets. The nursing home described in the book, Steere House, in Rhode Island, sounds like a wonderful place for folks to spend out their last few years. They have cats, rabbits and birds throughout the home, which provides comfort for the residents.
One the things I particularly appreciated about the book was the detailed look at the effects of Alzheimer's from a physcian's point-of-view, as well as early-onset arthritis. When you are in the situation, you don't always get this "in-depth" explanation from your physician, which is exactly what you need. It's also very refreshing to hear the medical viewpoint on end-of-life decisions - whether a family member should be on full code, or just left alone to pass away quietly. Just wish I would have had this book a few years ago for a family member. It seems as if we know so little about dementia until we're actually thrust there through experience. I'm very glad to have read this book - it will definitely delight you and make you cry at the same time. Great, great book, I enjoyed it very much. Highly recommend!
Showing reviews 1-5 of 130
|
|
|
CERTAIN CONTENT THAT APPEARS ON THIS SITE COMES FROM AMAZON SERVICES LLC. THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED ‘AS IS’ AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR REMOVAL AT ANY TIME. Disclaimer: The products referenced on this site are manufactured and sold by other parties and sold through Amazon.com and other companies. We make no representations regarding either the products or any information vendors offer about their products. Any questions, complaints, or claims regarding the products must be directed to the appropriate manufacturer or vendor, or to Amazon.com. | |
