The day Oscar arrived at the Steere House Nursing Home
and Rehabilitation Center in Rhode Day can be best equated
as to the moment this extraordinary feline hit the kitty
lottery. From lazy afternoons relaxing in warm sunbeams to
scrumptious treats secretly stolen from unsuspecting
humans, Oscar indeed has the best of both worlds. A loving
environment in which to live plus a caring group of
individuals who know best when to leave this curious cat
alone, Oscar lives every cat's dream life.
Dr. David Dosa is no ordinary man. Being a
physician at Steere House, an Alzheimer's facility, comes
with its daily challenges. Not only must he provide
exemplary care for his suffering patients, but also he must
help their loved ones come to terms with the harsh
realities of this debilitating disease. As he witnesses his
patients slowly losing their memories, he takes pride in
knowing that Steere House is doing everything within their
means to make their residents' last days as peaceful as
possible.
So when he hears that Oscar may just have a
special gift, Dr. Dosa decides to investigate. According to
the rumor mill, when the time comes for patients to die,
Oscar comforts them by lying down by their side until they
pass. Not only does he guide them to their next journey,
but also he provides solace for their families left behind.
As a man of medicine, Dr. Dosa has his doubts. Yet by
hearing the stories from those that have benefited from his
gift as well as witnessing it himself, the Doubting Thomas
doctor eventually becomes a firm believer.
MAKING ROUNDS WITH OSCAR is a feel-good book that
takes the sadness associated with such a horrible disease
and turns it into a tiny ray of sunshine. From heartwarming
stories of love and devotion to helpful tips for learning
to cope, Dr. Dosa brilliantly gives those suffering with
Alzheimer's a voice with which to be heard.
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.
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