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A review by bookstacker
Making Rounds with Oscar: The Extraordinary Gift of an Ordinary Cat by David Dosa
5.0
A non-fiction book written by a Doctor who works in a home for patients with Alzheimers. Oscar is one of the resident cats that is not sociable until death is imminent. Dr. Dosa is skeptical at first when he starts hearing the stories so he starts interviewing families who have had loved ones pass with "Oscar in attendance". (He uses their stories only with their permission.)
This is not as depressing a book as some might think. Yes it is about the inevitable, death. However, this book is also about love. I've learned about how as a caregiver of an elderly person with memory problems it is important *not* to "bail them out" by prompting memories when they are being interviewed by a Doctor. What behavior not to do to make sure my loved one gets the care they need. Also, that hospital ICUs are not about comfort but stabilization. I, like the Doctor, would "prefer the cat over the ICU".
It is comforting to know that a simple act of a cat cuddling with the dying eases the process for both the patient and their family. No-one knows how Oscar knows but his track record is impeccable even to holding his "vigil" on a patient's bed when the patient is in the hospital. All are amazed that he doesn't leave until the patient has passed. He lashes out if anyone tries to remove him and panics if he cannot get in a room of someone who is dying. To many observers it appears to them that he believes it is his sacred duty to be there for the dying.
I recommend anyone with aging parents or even those with loved ones with a chronic illness of other types to read this. It gives a good insight towards the natural human tendencies when a loved one is ill especially when the illness changes the personality of your loved one. It has also taught me what *not* to do when I am a caregiver for another dealing with an illness or other chronic issue.
For more about Oscar please visit this website. http://www.steerehouse.org/Mediarelations/oscar
This is not as depressing a book as some might think. Yes it is about the inevitable, death. However, this book is also about love. I've learned about how as a caregiver of an elderly person with memory problems it is important *not* to "bail them out" by prompting memories when they are being interviewed by a Doctor. What behavior not to do to make sure my loved one gets the care they need. Also, that hospital ICUs are not about comfort but stabilization. I, like the Doctor, would "prefer the cat over the ICU".
It is comforting to know that a simple act of a cat cuddling with the dying eases the process for both the patient and their family. No-one knows how Oscar knows but his track record is impeccable even to holding his "vigil" on a patient's bed when the patient is in the hospital. All are amazed that he doesn't leave until the patient has passed. He lashes out if anyone tries to remove him and panics if he cannot get in a room of someone who is dying. To many observers it appears to them that he believes it is his sacred duty to be there for the dying.
I recommend anyone with aging parents or even those with loved ones with a chronic illness of other types to read this. It gives a good insight towards the natural human tendencies when a loved one is ill especially when the illness changes the personality of your loved one. It has also taught me what *not* to do when I am a caregiver for another dealing with an illness or other chronic issue.
For more about Oscar please visit this website. http://www.steerehouse.org/Mediarelations/oscar