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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
Making Rounds with Oscar summary
Brief summary
Making Rounds with Oscar by David Dosa is a heartwarming true story about a cat who has an incredible ability to sense when patients are nearing the end of their lives. It offers a unique perspective on the power of animals in healthcare.
Table of Contents
Making Rounds with Oscar
Summary of key ideas
The Introduction of Oscar
In Making Rounds with Oscar, David Dosa, a geriatrician, introduces us to a remarkable cat named Oscar. Oscar resides at the Steere House Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Rhode Island. Initially, the staff and residents see him as just another resident of the facility, albeit a feline one. However, they soon realize that Oscar has a unique ability that sets him apart from other cats.
Unlike most cats, Oscar is drawn to the patients who are in their final hours of life. He has an uncanny ability to predict when someone is close to passing away. Oscar provides comfort to these patients, often curling up beside them, and in some cases, remaining by their side until their last breath. This behavior is baffling to the staff, who are initially unsure how to interpret it.
Understanding Oscar's Gift
As the story progresses, Dr. Dosa delves into the scientific and psychological aspects of Oscar's behavior. He consults with experts in the field of animal behavior and learns about similar instances of animals exhibiting inexplicable reactions to human illness and death. He discovers that Oscar's gift is not unique and that there are other documented cases of animals displaying similar abilities.
Despite these findings, the mystery surrounding Oscar's behavior remains. Dr. Dosa and the staff at Steere House continue to be amazed by Oscar's uncanny ability to predict death. They begin to accept his presence as a natural part of their care for the terminally ill patients, even though they don't fully understand the mechanism behind Oscar's gift.
Oscar's Impact on the Facility
As time goes on, Oscar becomes an integral part of the care provided at Steere House. His presence brings comfort not only to the patients but also to their families and the staff. He seems to have an innate understanding of when his company is needed, often providing solace during difficult times. The staff starts to use Oscar's behavior as an indicator, alerting them to patients who may be close to the end of their lives.
Despite the somber nature of his role, Oscar also brings moments of joy and distraction to the facility. He interacts with the staff and residents in his own unique way, providing a brief respite from the heavy emotional burden of the work they do. His presence becomes a symbol of hope and comfort in the face of death.
A Unique Perspective on Death
As Dr. Dosa reflects on Oscar's impact, he begins to see death from a different perspective. He acknowledges that, while a difficult topic, death is an inevitable part of life. Oscar's unique gift and the way he approaches death help Dr. Dosa and the staff at Steere House to accept and manage their patients' end-of-life care with more understanding and compassion.
In conclusion, Making Rounds with Oscar is a heartwarming and thought-provoking account of the unique bond between a cat and the patients at a nursing home. Oscar's story challenges our understanding of death and the role animals can play in our lives. His presence at Steere House serves as a reminder of the importance of compassion and comfort in the face of life's most difficult moments.
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What is Making Rounds with Oscar about?
Making Rounds with Oscar is a touching memoir by David Dosa that tells the story of a remarkable cat named Oscar. Set in a nursing home, the book chronicles Oscar's uncanny ability to predict when a patient is nearing the end of their life. As he curls up beside those in their final hours, Oscar brings comfort and solace to both the patients and their families. Through heartwarming anecdotes and insightful observations, Dosa explores the profound impact this feline friend has on the lives of those in the facility.
Making Rounds with Oscar Review
Making Rounds with Oscar (2010) explores the profound bond between a special feline and residents in a nursing home. Here are three reasons why this book is a captivating read:
- The heartwarming anecdotes showcase Oscar's extraordinary intuition, providing a glimpse into the emotional impact animals can have on human lives.
- Insightful reflections on life, death, and companionship enhance the narrative, offering a deeper understanding of the human experience.
- Through empathetic storytelling, readers are drawn into the world of caregiving and the unexpected ways in which love and connection can manifest.
Who should read Making Rounds with Oscar?
Individuals interested in the unique bond between animals and humans
Healthcare professionals looking for a different perspective on end-of-life care
People who enjoy heartwarming stories that offer insights into the human experience
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Making Rounds with Oscar FAQs
What is the main message of Making Rounds with Oscar?
The main message of Making Rounds with Oscar is the special connection between the cat, Oscar, and end-of-life care.
How long does it take to read Making Rounds with Oscar?
Reading Making Rounds with Oscar takes a few hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Making Rounds with Oscar a good book? Is it worth reading?
Making Rounds with Oscar is a heartwarming read that showcases the importance of compassion in healthcare. It's definitely worth your time.
Who is the author of Making Rounds with Oscar?
The author of Making Rounds with Oscar is David Dosa.
What to read after Making Rounds with Oscar?
If you're wondering what to read next after Making Rounds with Oscar, here are some recommendations we suggest:
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- Fox by Martin Wallen
- The Omnivore's Dilemma by Michael Pollan
- The World Without Us by Alan Weisman
- Green Illusions by Ozzie Zehner
- Energy Myths and Realities by Vaclav Smil
- Fukushima by David Lochbaum, Edwin Lyman, Susan Q. Stranahan and the Union of Concerned Scientists
- The Moral Case for Fossil Fuels by Alex Epstein
- Should We Eat Meat? by Vaclav Smil
- Cradle to Cradle by William McDonough and Michael Braungart