Making the Rounds with Oscar: The Inspirational Story of a Doctor, His Patients and a Very Special Cat
Registered by 
lukutuoli
of Tampere, Pirkanmaa / Birkaland Finland on 7/29/2010
This Book is Currently in the Wild!
lukutuoli of Tampere, Pirkanmaa / Birkaland Finland on 7/29/2010 This Book is Currently in the Wild!
11 journalers for this copy...
I purchased this book last week from London. I've read about this amazing cat in a Finnish magazine this year.
Amazon Editorial Review:
"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."
Amazon Editorial Review:
"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."
This was a lovely and heartwarming story, I enjoyed reading it very much! I admit Dr Dosa isn't a writer, but this book gives a lot of information of Alzheimer's disease and the reactions of the relatives during the process of dementia. Actually, I was surprised, that the book wasn't only a story of feline intuition and Oscar, but as well a deeply human story of people suffering Alzheimer's disease. Absolutely a book every cat lover should read!
Tarjolla kotimaiseksi kirjaringiksi.
Mukana:
-Appelsiini (Valkeakoski)
-
-
----> takaisin lukutuolille (Tampere)
Mukana:
-Appelsiini (Valkeakoski)
-
-
----> takaisin lukutuolille (Tampere)
Journal Entry 4 by 
Appelsiini
at Valkeakoski, Pirkanmaa / Birkaland Finland on Thursday, August 26, 2010
Appelsiini at Valkeakoski, Pirkanmaa / Birkaland Finland on Thursday, August 26, 2010
I read about Oscar from the news paper some time ago and when I noticed they have written a book about him, I wanted to read it. And now lukutuoli is offering it as a ring, so what could be more nicer! This one will go 1st to my TBR pile!
Journal Entry 5 by Appelsiini at Valkeakoski, Pirkanmaa / Birkaland Finland on Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Appelsiini at Valkeakoski, Pirkanmaa / Birkaland Finland on Tuesday, September 21, 2010
I was a bit disappointed as I thought this book would be about Oscar but mainly is about the patients and Alzheimer's disease. In the middle of the book I sort of got bored about the stories, but in the end there were so sweet and heartwarming stories which melt my heart. Anyhow, this was a good book to read and now I understand better my grandmother (who passed away few years ago with dementia). Maybe some day the advices given in this book come in handy. So thank you lukutuoli for offering this book! :)
Journal Entry 6 by lukutuoli at Tampere, Pirkanmaa / Birkaland Finland on Thursday, September 23, 2010
lukutuoli at Tampere, Pirkanmaa / Birkaland Finland on Thursday, September 23, 2010
Oscar has returned to home! Thanks for the surprise, Appelsiini - I found a cute bookmark between the first pages :)
Journal Entry 7 by lukutuoli at Tampere, Pirkanmaa / Birkaland Finland on Wednesday, September 29, 2010
lukutuoli at Tampere, Pirkanmaa / Birkaland Finland on Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Yess! Oscar sai vielä yhden lukijan, Pippis ilmoittautui rinkiin. Postittelen Turun suuntaan.
Journal Entry 8 by lukutuoli at Bookring, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases on Wednesday, September 29, 2010
lukutuoli at Bookring, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases on Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Released 13 yrs ago (9/30/2010 UTC) at Bookring, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
Kirjarinki starttaa uudelleen liikkeelle :) Lukuiloa, Pippis!
Journal Entry 9 by pippis at Turku, Varsinais-Suomi / Egentliga Finland Finland on Friday, October 1, 2010
pippis at Turku, Varsinais-Suomi / Egentliga Finland Finland on Friday, October 1, 2010
I've wanted to read this book for a while now, so thank you ever so much, lukutuoli for including me to the book ring! Though Mt TBR is ceiling high, Oscar will go summer cottage with me to be read during the weekend :)
Journal Entry 10 by pippis at Turku, Varsinais-Suomi / Egentliga Finland Finland on Sunday, October 3, 2010
pippis at Turku, Varsinais-Suomi / Egentliga Finland Finland on Sunday, October 3, 2010
I'm the first to admit that I'm a dog person, not a cat person. While I could scratch and pet every dog I meet on a street, not a single cat would be overjoyed to see me. We've always had both at home, so those "serve me"-looks and indifferent whisks of tail are quite familiar to me anyway. Therefore I could well understand Dr Dosa's reactions to Oscar and other cats on the ward - if you're not frustrated with them, you're amazed and being happy with them is only by the grace of their Highness'... I loved the way how he didn't take the animals as granted, he learned to understand the cats and as a final token of his learning he was accepted by them. Oscar's behaviour was really amazing and I would love to see a kitty (ok, _I'd_ prefer a dog when I'm that old) or two at every retirement/nursing home. As described, they do bring comfort and keep people entertained. Even as it was clear the author wasn't to produce a shakespeare, his subtle style of presenting the families was really heartwarming. He saw and treated his dementia patients as individuals, with a warm heart and empathy. Perhaps I expected to read more about the cat itself, but as he lives in a nursing home, has this fascinating ability to sense death, it felt quite self-evident that there'd be stories of the residents too. As we have people with dementia in the family, it was also good to read what happens to people with similar condition, how they might react and how the nursing staff sees their condition. All in all, the book was emotional, but in a good way.
Journal Entry 11 by pippis at Turku, Varsinais-Suomi / Egentliga Finland Finland on Tuesday, October 5, 2010
pippis at Turku, Varsinais-Suomi / Egentliga Finland Finland on Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Turku omii kirjan hetkeksi, rinki laajenee! Book'll stay in Turku for a while, more people in the ring! Next in line:
Sobergirl
Savotar
Sobergirl
Savotar
Journal Entry 12 by Sobergirl at Turku, Varsinais-Suomi / Egentliga Finland Finland on Friday, October 22, 2010
Oscar will now spend some time with me before he moves in with Savotar. Thanks Pippis!
Journal Entry 13 by Sobergirl at Turku, Varsinais-Suomi / Egentliga Finland Finland on Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Many thanks for letting me read this book!
I liked it a lot.
I am a dog-person and cats usually don't give a toss about me. However, when I was in Rome in early 2009 I visited a cat sanctuary and fell in love with Ramingo, a black cat with something described as "Cat Parkinson's" and I adopted him at a distance. (see a picture of him at the bottom of my profile page).
The book touched me personally, my mother has far-progressed Parkinson's Disease with *Parkinson's dementia* as a bonus and is now in a care home.
They do not allow pets in the care home but I have talked to friends who have dogs that they will bring the dogs over for play-dates outdoors by the river once my mother gets more settled at the care home!
I will give this book to Savotar asap.
I liked it a lot.
I am a dog-person and cats usually don't give a toss about me. However, when I was in Rome in early 2009 I visited a cat sanctuary and fell in love with Ramingo, a black cat with something described as "Cat Parkinson's" and I adopted him at a distance. (see a picture of him at the bottom of my profile page).
The book touched me personally, my mother has far-progressed Parkinson's Disease with *Parkinson's dementia* as a bonus and is now in a care home.
They do not allow pets in the care home but I have talked to friends who have dogs that they will bring the dogs over for play-dates outdoors by the river once my mother gets more settled at the care home!
I will give this book to Savotar asap.
Journal Entry 14 by Savotar at Turku, Varsinais-Suomi / Egentliga Finland Finland on Thursday, November 11, 2010
I received this book yesterday already but I couldn't journal it because our f... freaking net connection was down. Right now I have very little time for reading but I promise to read this one as soon as possible.
Journal Entry 15 by Savotar at Turku, Varsinais-Suomi / Egentliga Finland Finland on Friday, December 3, 2010
Finally I had the time to finish this book. It was an allright reading experience, but for some reason I didn't enjoy the book as much as I thought I would. No doubt it was touching and heart-warming though, definitely worth reading. Maybe my constant lack of energy (due to busy timetables) had an effect on my experience too. What I found most interesting was the story of The Rubinsteins. It was both romantic and tragic!
Thank you Lukutuoli for sharing this book with me. If I've understood it right, I was the last participant of the ring and the book is travelling back home soon.
Thank you Lukutuoli for sharing this book with me. If I've understood it right, I was the last participant of the ring and the book is travelling back home soon.
Journal Entry 16 by lukutuoli at Tampere, Pirkanmaa / Birkaland Finland on Thursday, December 23, 2010
lukutuoli at Tampere, Pirkanmaa / Birkaland Finland on Thursday, December 23, 2010
The book arrived back to me with amazing HGG surprises! Savotar had visited my postbox while I was visiting my friends and relatives for Christmas, and I found Estonian chocolates and almonds with this book. My cat, Hiski, received a special HGG surprise as well - lots of cat food with his favourite tastes: tunafish, mackerel, shrimps and chicken :) Thank you!
Journal Entry 17 by lukutuoli at A fellow BookCrosser, A RABCK -- Controlled Releases on Monday, February 7, 2011
lukutuoli at A fellow BookCrosser, A RABCK -- Controlled Releases on Monday, February 7, 2011
Released 13 yrs ago (2/7/2011 UTC) at A fellow BookCrosser, A RABCK -- Controlled Releases
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
Sfogs told in the international BC-forum, that this book is on her Top Wish List. I had planned to keep Oscar in my PC, but decided to let it travel to Sfogs now. The original BC-label is in Finnish, so I'll add one in English to the front cover :)
Enjoy!
Thank you! This book has arrived safely!
I think that I will find this book a little strange, as at the start of 2010 our own cat Oscar,
who was a BIG (Though not fat), black long-haired cat, had to be put down after he got feline aids. He was also a very smart cat, he learned to open the cat door if we had half locked it (getting a claw under the flap and flip it open). He wasn't the most friendly cat more like a wise old man, he would come into the room and just be with you, if he bunted you then he was very pleased to see you, and would often wait at the end of the drive-way to greet you when you came home! It will be strange to read about another 'Oscar' cat.
I think that I will find this book a little strange, as at the start of 2010 our own cat Oscar,
who was a BIG (Though not fat), black long-haired cat, had to be put down after he got feline aids. He was also a very smart cat, he learned to open the cat door if we had half locked it (getting a claw under the flap and flip it open). He wasn't the most friendly cat more like a wise old man, he would come into the room and just be with you, if he bunted you then he was very pleased to see you, and would often wait at the end of the drive-way to greet you when you came home! It will be strange to read about another 'Oscar' cat.
A heart-felt and truelly eye-opening book.
Released 13 yrs ago (3/13/2011 UTC) at Christchurch, Canterbury New Zealand
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
Given to granny to read.
Journal Entry 21 by 
AnonymousFinder
at Christchurch, Canterbury New Zealand on Sunday, March 20, 2011
AnonymousFinder at Christchurch, Canterbury New Zealand on Sunday, March 20, 2011
A quieter read - not so spellbinding but nevertheless a good read.
It held my attention but not so much that I had to read it in one sitting.
It held my attention but not so much that I had to read it in one sitting.
Released 12 yrs ago (10/30/2011 UTC) at Christchurch, Canterbury New Zealand
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
Sent to the USA!
Sfogs, thank you so much for sending this well-traveled book via the wishlist-tag game! I've wanted to read this for some time now, not only because I'm a cat lover and my mom had Alzheimer's, but also because it's a local story: Providence is only about an hour from my home.
Thank you for your thoughtfulness!
Thank you for your thoughtfulness!
Wonderful book! Oscar's gift is truly amazing. I enjoyed reading about Dr. Dosa's progression from disbelief (and disdain for cats) towards admitting that there may be meaning in Oscar's behavior (and warming up a bit to cats :-).
I thought the book struck a good balance between the story of Oscar and the larger story of how families cope with Alzheimer's. I wish there had been companion animals (even without a special intuitive gift!) in the nursing home my mom was in. She always loved cats, and in general it's a nice idea to have animals around, even as visitors!
Thanks again for sharing this with me, sfogs! I hope to include it in the Cat Tales bookbox which will make its way to me soon.
Edited to add: I forgot to say that I liked this so much, I bought another copy to give to a (non-bookcrosser) friend for her birthday earlier this month :-)
I thought the book struck a good balance between the story of Oscar and the larger story of how families cope with Alzheimer's. I wish there had been companion animals (even without a special intuitive gift!) in the nursing home my mom was in. She always loved cats, and in general it's a nice idea to have animals around, even as visitors!
Thanks again for sharing this with me, sfogs! I hope to include it in the Cat Tales bookbox which will make its way to me soon.
Edited to add: I forgot to say that I liked this so much, I bought another copy to give to a (non-bookcrosser) friend for her birthday earlier this month :-)
Added to Mary Zee's Cat Stories Bookbox which was mailed to 6of8 today.
Wow -- this book has definitely travelled far and wide! Looking forward to reading it.
Lovely book -- once I opened it (to read just a chapter or two before bed) I could not put it down. I had read a reprint of Dr. Dosa's original article done in the Readers Digest and remembered it, but the book gives so much more information. And it covers not just the mission of Oscar to care for the dying and their families, but the lessons learned in dealing with those at the end of life. This is a wonderful book for anyone who is caring for a dementia patient, giving insight into the disease process and means of coping, as well as reminding us of all of the unique gifts that animals bring to our lives.
This book and another I recently finished are on FeistyPom2Love's wishlist, so they are going off in the mail as a surprise.
This book and another I recently finished are on FeistyPom2Love's wishlist, so they are going off in the mail as a surprise.
Journal Entry 28 by 
6of8
at -- Mail or by hand - rings, RABCK, meetings, District of Columbia USA on Wednesday, June 13, 2012
6of8 at -- Mail or by hand - rings, RABCK, meetings, District of Columbia USA on Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Released 11 yrs ago (6/13/2012 UTC) at -- Mail or by hand - rings, RABCK, meetings, District of Columbia USA
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
Sending this book to FiestyPom, since it is on her wishlist.
Wow, what a delightful surprise, 6of8,to receive a package containing this novel and another one from my wishlist!!
Thank you, you made my day!! We've been having some "June Gloom" as we call it here on the West Coast... Have not seen the sun very much this month with the coastal marine layer. So, snuggling up with reading material lately has been my MO!
I love the long history this book has had! It also seems to be widely traveled as well. I'll try to read it soon as possible and move it forward. I have a few books I'm committed to reading for now that are part of rays, bookboxes or RABCKS, but try to read sooner after.
Thanks again for sending this my way. :-)
Thank you, you made my day!! We've been having some "June Gloom" as we call it here on the West Coast... Have not seen the sun very much this month with the coastal marine layer. So, snuggling up with reading material lately has been my MO!
I love the long history this book has had! It also seems to be widely traveled as well. I'll try to read it soon as possible and move it forward. I have a few books I'm committed to reading for now that are part of rays, bookboxes or RABCKS, but try to read sooner after.
Thanks again for sending this my way. :-)
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book.... I love animals and reading about Oscar was what initially drew me to this book.... Making the Rounds With Oscar is more than just another 'cat tale'.....
My grandfather died in 2000, due to Alzheimer's and much of what was written in this book about how Alzheimer's effects both the patient and the family members happened to my grandfather as well. Alzheimer's disease is truly a deplorable disease. My grandfather was a vibrant man and full of life. To see him robbed of his memories and become the shell of his former self was heartbreaking.
I feel that Dr. Dosa is a compassionate doctor and he sheds light about the ravages of Alzheimer's with the dignity and humanity it deserves. I felt that he gave some great advice about how to handle Alzheimer's at the end of his book if you are the caregiver to someone effected by Alzheimer's disease.
I enjoyed reading about Oscar, the patient stories and about Dr. Dosa's journey as a doctor in helping not only those with dementia, but the families as well get through difficult times.
Thank you for sharing this book with me 6of8!
My grandfather died in 2000, due to Alzheimer's and much of what was written in this book about how Alzheimer's effects both the patient and the family members happened to my grandfather as well. Alzheimer's disease is truly a deplorable disease. My grandfather was a vibrant man and full of life. To see him robbed of his memories and become the shell of his former self was heartbreaking.
I feel that Dr. Dosa is a compassionate doctor and he sheds light about the ravages of Alzheimer's with the dignity and humanity it deserves. I felt that he gave some great advice about how to handle Alzheimer's at the end of his book if you are the caregiver to someone effected by Alzheimer's disease.
I enjoyed reading about Oscar, the patient stories and about Dr. Dosa's journey as a doctor in helping not only those with dementia, but the families as well get through difficult times.
Thank you for sharing this book with me 6of8!
I have reserved this book for a USA Only Bookray & am currently taking signups now! I am looking forward to sharing this book with others. :-)
http://www.bookcrossing.com/forum/20/492734
http://www.bookcrossing.com/forum/20/492734
I mailed this book of to foxyfiona1986 as Making the Rounds with Oscar was on her wishlist. Happy reading and releasing!! :-)
Thank you for sending me this book. Another book too my mountain of too be read hehe. Looks really good can't wait too read it.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book but I am quite sad I have finished it. This book is moving emotionally and normally I don't like a book if it too do with something that is effecting my family in one way or other. But I found it amazing Oscar abilities and so nice too hear a home that has so many pets I wish there was more like this for the elderly.
Journal Entry 35 by foxyfiona1986 at The Pet Show in Warwick, Warwickshire United Kingdom on Saturday, July 20, 2013
Released 10 yrs ago (7/20/2013 UTC) at The Pet Show in Warwick, Warwickshire United Kingdom
WILD RELEASE NOTES:
Please read, share and love this book. This is a cracking book you have found a right gem.
Journal Entry 36 by foxyfiona1986 at The Pet Show in Warwick, Warwickshire United Kingdom on Saturday, July 20, 2013
Released 10 yrs ago (7/20/2013 UTC) at The Pet Show in Warwick, Warwickshire United Kingdom
WILD RELEASE NOTES:
Please read, share and love this book. This is a cracking book you have found a right gem.
