The break room I reside in is warm, inviting

I can hear monitors beeping incessantly as line is laid on by a sleeping dog

I hear soft voices, aiding a grieving owner

I hear the purr of a cat, being scratched behind the ears

This is where I find my peace

In the smell of medication

Bleach

Dog-breath

The distinct smell of band-aids wafting from the syringes of cerenia

I lose myself in my peace

My thoughts

I love this life of caring for animals

Caring for my friends

I love the rush

The thrill

The reward of seeing your care help or save a life

Seeing their eyes light up with happiness again

It gives me life and my eyes mirror theirs

This life of caring is my happiness

My release in a world so tense

I love my surroundings

My environment

I’m brought back to this reality by an office cat crawling into my lap, seeking attention with a loving pur

Returning to me the love I give

This is the ecosystem to which I belong

This is my resting home