Overview

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 tabby 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, considered a blessing because it allows staff members to notify families that the end is near and because he provides companionship to those who would otherwise have died alone. Dr. Dosa uses Oscar and the stories of several patients to examine end-of-life care as it exists today for the family and caregivers of dementia and Alzheimer's patients. Heartfelt, inspiring, and sometimes even funny, Making Rounds with Oscar allows listeners into a world that is often misunderstood and rarely seen from the outside.

Full Product Details

9781441721181

Table of Contents

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 Dosa paints a realistic picture of the complex physical, psychological, and emotional challenges associated with dementia...This audiobook will appeal to family members and caregivers of dementia patients; physicians, nurses, social workers, patient advocates, and other health care professionals; animal lovers; and humanitarians from all walks of life for its poignant insights into the power of the human spirit and the bond between humans and animals. Audie nomated and film and television actor Ray Porter brings the text to life with his excellent fully-voiced narration. Kudos to Porter on his Eastern European accent in particular, which, to my ear, was pitch perfect. -- SoundCommentary.com 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 This touching and engaging book is a must-read for more than just cat lovers; anyone who enjoys a well-written and compelling story will find much to admire in its unlikely hero. -- Publishers Weekly Both touching and humorous, [this book] isn't just about Oscar. It's about listening and letting go. It's also about the inner workings of a nursing home for Alzheimer's patients, the people who work there, the rhythm of their days, and the six other cats who also call it home, cats who also bring comfort to the dementia patients but do not share Oscar's talents of premonition. -- USA Today I love this book--Oscar has much to teach us about empathy and courage. I couldn't put it down. -- Sarah Gruen, New York Times bestselling author of Water for Elephants

I love this book--Oscar has much to teach us about empathy and courage. I couldn't put it down. -- Sarah Gruen, New York Times bestselling author of Water for Elephants 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 Both touching and humorous, [this book] isn't just about Oscar. It's about listening and letting go. It's also about the inner workings of a nursing home for Alzheimer's patients, the people who work there, the rhythm of their days, and the six other cats who also call it home, cats who also bring comfort to the dementia patients but do not share Oscar's talents of premonition. -- USA Today This touching and engaging book is a must-read for more than just cat lovers; anyone who enjoys a well-written and compelling story will find much to admire in its unlikely hero. -- Publishers Weekly Dosa paints a realistic picture of the complex physical, psychological, and emotional challenges associated with dementia...This audiobook will appeal to family members and caregivers of dementia patients; physicians, nurses, social workers, patient advocates, and other health care professionals; animal lovers; and humanitarians from all walks of life for its poignant insights into the power of the human spirit and the bond between humans and animals. Audie nomated and film and television actor Ray Porter brings the text to life with his excellent fully-voiced narration. Kudos to Porter on his Eastern European accent in particular, which, to my ear, was pitch perfect. -- SoundCommentary.com 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

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 Both touching and humorous, [this book] isn't just about Oscar. It's about listening and letting go. It's also about the inner workings of a nursing home for Alzheimer's patients, the people who work there, the rhythm of their days, and the six other cats who also call it home, cats who also bring comfort to the dementia patients but do not share Oscar's talents of premonition. -- USA Today Dosa paints a realistic picture of the complex physical, psychological, and emotional challenges associated with dementia...This audiobook will appeal to family members and caregivers of dementia patients; physicians, nurses, social workers, patient advocates, and other health care professionals; animal lovers; and humanitarians from all walks of life for its poignant insights into the power of the human spirit and the bond between humans and animals. Audie nomated and film and television actor Ray Porter brings the text to life with his excellent fully-voiced narration. Kudos to Porter on his Eastern European accent in particular, which, to my ear, was pitch perfect. -- SoundCommentary.com I love this book--Oscar has much to teach us about empathy and courage. I couldn't put it down. -- Sarah Gruen, New York Times bestselling author of Water for Elephants 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 This touching and engaging book is a must-read for more than just cat lovers; anyone who enjoys a well-written and compelling story will find much to admire in its unlikely hero. -- Publishers Weekly

Author Information

Dr. David Dosa is a geriatrician and an assistant professor of medicine at the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University. An essay he wrote for the New England Journal of Medicine was the basis of this book. He lives with his family in Barrington, Rhode Island. Ray Porter is an AudioFile Earphones Award-winning narrator and fifteen-year veteran of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. He has appeared in numerous films and television shows, including Almost Famous, ER, and Frasier.

Tab Content 6

Customer Reviews

Recent Reviews

Countries Available