Posted on 01/31/2010 1:09:30 PM PST by Slings and Arrows
PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- The scientist in Dr. David Dosa was skeptical when first told that Oscar, an aloof cat kept by a nursing home, regularly predicted patients' deaths by snuggling alongside them in their final hours.
Dosa's doubts eroded after he and his colleagues tallied about 50 correct calls made by Oscar over five years, a process he explains in a book released this week, "Making Rounds With Oscar: The Extraordinary Gift of an Ordinary Cat." (Hyperion, $23.99) The feline's bizarre talent astounds Dosa, but he finds Oscar's real worth in his fierce insistence on being present when others turn away from life's most uncomfortable topic: death.
"People actually were taking great comfort in this idea, that this animal was there and might be there when their loved ones eventually pass," Dosa said. "He was there when they couldn't be."
(Excerpt) Read more at thesunnews.com ...
Frankly, I don’t want ‘family’ standing around waiting for my final breath. Having a furry critter snuggled up to me is appealing.
Works for me. Heck, why wait ‘til you’re dying? *petting_cat*
You’re right : ) *petting cat(s)* You’ve seen my 3 legger......he is by far the most loving creature I’ve ever owned....including K9’s. He’ll jump up on the sofa if I’m lying there and plop down facing me and put his front leg over my neck. His purrs lull me to sleep nightly. My russian blue is more aloof though but shares herself when I’m at the puter. Nothing better....it’s genuine love and unconditional. btw...thanks again for the pingy thingy.
You’re quite welcome.
I think the cat is secretly killing the patients during the night.
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