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Making Rounds with Oscar: The Extraordinary Gift of an Ordinary Cat
by David Dosa, M.D.
Hardcover, 240 pages
Published October 1st 2009
ISBN 1401323235 (ISBN13: 9781401323233)
Edition Language: English
Synopsis: Dr. David Dosa doesn't believe at first that one of the cats at Steere House Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Rhode Island, has the ability to predict when an Alzheimer's patient is near death. Yet, as he witnesses the cat's behavior, and listens to the words of family members who sat with loved ones as they passed, each with a story about how Oscar stayed with them, Dr. Dosa realizes there is a remarkable story unfolding.
Opinion: Dr. Dosa begins his book by openly recognizing his own arrogance, and how easily he dismisses reports about Oscar's ability to predict death in the Alzheimer's unit. As the facts mount, he learns to open his mind to the non-scientific actions of a ordinary housecat. In addition, this book brings to light the toll of this disease on the people who have it, their families who have lost their friend, parent, or sibling as their mind and emotions made radical changes, and the hard-working nursing and medical staffs who care for the patients. Dr. Dosa closes the book with a few guidelines that could help family members, facing a future with Alzheimer's.
Recommendation: This is a good book! Although it seems quite dark and sad, it's really not. It is about love, hope, and understanding. Any negativity is directed at the medical system that doesn't seem to support or resolve the heavy burden this disease creates for patients and their families. The fact that Oscar appears to sense when humans are close to drawing their last breath, is treated with sober discussion...and enough of a touch of mystery to make the reader close the book and ponder.
