by David Dosa
First published 2010
Oscar appears to be an ordinary cat when he arrives at Steere House Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. He stretches in sunny spots, chases his tail, and accepts attention only on his terms. But Oscar possesses an unusual ability. He can sense when death approaches. The cat ignores most residents during their daily routines, but when someone enters their final hours, Oscar walks deliberately to their room. He curls up on their bed and stays. His presence comforts dying patients and signals to staff and families that the end is near. Dr. David Dosa watches Oscar's behavior and begins to understand what the cat teaches about facing death with grace. Through Oscar's story, Dosa explores how patients, families, and caregivers navigate the difficult terrain of terminal illness and loss in a place many people prefer not to think about.
Genres: death, medical, non-fiction, biography-memoir
Vibes: emotional-atmospheric, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: animal-companion, medical-drama
Setting: Steere House Nursing and Rehabilitation Center
240 pages · Hardcover · Hyperion
Content warnings: terminal-illness