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

Dosa, David

ISBN 10: 1401323235 / ISBN 13: 9781401323233

Published by Grand Central Publishing, 2010

About this Item

Pages intact with possible writing/highlighting. Binding strong with minor wear. Dust jackets/supplements may not be included. Stock photo provided. Product includes identifying sticker. Better World Books: Buy Books. Do Good.

Seller Inventory # 2067324-75

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Making Rounds with Oscar : The Extraordinary Gift of an Ordinary Cat
• Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
• Publication Date: 2010
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1401323235
• ISBN 13: 9781401323233
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition: 1st Edition.
• Condition: Very Good
• Weight: 0.822 pounds

About this title

Synopsis

The remarkable, life-changing story of a cat with an extraordinary gift.

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.

About the Author

Dr. David Dosa is a geriatrician at Rhode Island Hospital and an assistant professor of medicine at the Warrern Alpert Medical School of Brown University, both in Providence.