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.