Making Rounds with Oscar

The Extraordinary Gift of an Ordinary Cat

By: David Dosa M.D.

Narrated by: Ray Porter

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)

Great story, not always easy to listen to

This was an excellent, well written/spoken book. Performance is well done as well. It sheds light on the various stages of dementia, effects on family members, and care. Though not always easy to listen to and I would often get teary-eyed, I recommend this story if you are interested in medicine, care to learn or are aware of family struggles with dementia, care options, and effects of animals in our lives and the comfort they can bring.

What a gem of a story ♡

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the heartwarming and sometimes heartbreaking stories of the patients at Steere House and their special relationship with Oscar the cat. It was well written and enjoyable to listen to also. Being of the "sandwich generation" and taking care of my dear Mom until her passing while also trying to be a good parent and wife gave me a better understanding of the stresses and struggles of a caretaker. I have no doubt that sweet lil Oscar has helped many patients as they make their journeys from this world and into the next. Our beloved Boston Terrier "Erma" was right beside Mom when she took her last breath and stayed in the bed while I gave Mom her last bath, changed her gown and waited for the coroner to arrive. Seeing little Erma actually shedding real tears as they took Mom out the door just broke my heart even more but that dog was at Mom's side (and then my own side) for the hardest days of my life. Our pets aren't "like our family" they Are our family! I'm glad to know that Oscar has been there for his family too, all 41 rooms of them. Thank heaven for the gentle creatures of this world. We can learn a lot from them if we just give them a chance and stay present in mind as they are. Again, this was a wonderful book and a pleasure to listen to and I highly recommend you check it out.

wonderful book

wonderful book . the voice was perfect. listened to this book in 2 days. highly recommend

Wonderful!

I would give it 6 stars if I could. Sweet, touching, profound. Perfect narration. Highly recommended not only for cat lovers but

So glad I picked it

I admit that the cat angle is what grabbed me but, for anyone who has been a caregiver for a person with dementia, it is so much more. I have struggled with many of the issues raised in the book and it helped me get past some of the guilt and frustration that inevitably fall upon you during such a journey. Yes, some of the stories are sad but each patient is treated with such empathy, understanding and patience. If I’m unfortunate to become a dementia patient myself I pray that my doctors and nurses are as caring as these. And I hope they have some furry creatures to love on.

Amazingly sweet story

I’m a cat lover. My husband and I were my mom’s live-in caregivers the last 4 years of her life; we inherited her two kitties when she passed. I am also a nurse and have spent much of my career in acute care where many of the patients I cared for were elderly. This story touched me in so many ways. End-of-life decisions, healthcare in our country, aging, relationships, dementia, caregiver issues, pet therapy, long term care…so many important topics woven into a beautiful story. I would recommend this book to all I know.

The Miracle of Animals

I liked everything about this story. It was full of great information and insights. Makes me love animals even more.

Came for the Cat, Stayed for the Understanding

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I would and have recommended this audiobook to my friends and family!
My family is dealing with a mother who is coming to the end of her life with alzheimer's. This book was very touching and I think has helped me understand what has happened and where we are going to the end.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Making Rounds with Oscar?

One of the most memorable moments for me was when the daughter was leaving the home for the last time and Oscar escorted her out.

What does Ray Porter bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

I enjoyed how Ray Porter gave the dramatic pauses where they were needed. I lead a busy life and would not be able to read as much as I do except for having audiobooks for myself when I drive, do the laundry or the dishes.

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

Yes, I wish I could have. I may listen again and try to do it in one or two sittings.

Any additional comments?

I really cannot say how much this book touched me and how much it has helped to refresh me in my waiting with my mom. Thank you!

An amazing book!

Would you consider the audio edition of Making Rounds with Oscar to be better than the print version?

Yes.

What does Ray Porter bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

He brings emotion to the story. How he reads the book, and the voice inflections he uses, makes you laugh or cry, depending on where in the book you are. He humanizes it. And this book benefits greatly from that!

Any additional comments?

Some of the stories in this book are very hard to hear. Dementia is a *horrible* disease, both for the person, and for their family & friends. But throughout this book, interwoven amongst all those hard stories, are positive notes. One is Oscar himself. And another is the author, as he looks for proof (and finds it) and journeys from disbelief towards belief.

Well done Doc!!

This is a great book for anyone touched by Alzheimer's/Dementia, medical professionals and true cat lovers. I have thoroughly enjoyed learning of Oscar the cat!