The Little Lion Has a Proposition

The Art Lady and Me: A Rather Important Proposition

My name is Julius. I have a proposition for you.

You see, I've found myself in a rather peculiar situation. After living on the streets, I've acquired an Art Lady, a comfortable place to sleep, and the attention of a Lady VT (veterinary technician). Unfortunately, I also have a rather pressing need for medical attention.

I was already having respiratory troubles when I met the Art Lady, but my sneezing fits and coughing have become increasingly severe, causing her considerable concern. My teeth have been troublesome as well, making even a decent meal rather difficult to manage.

The Art Lady and the Lady VT are doing everything they can, but they need some help. And that, dear reader, is where you come in.

But perhaps I should explain how all this began.

It started with a fence.

A chain-link fence, to be precise. On the other side was a bowl of food and a woman unloading paintings and a table in a café courtyard. She seemed terribly busy. Humans often are.

I was hungry, rather thin, and missing a good deal of my fur. Nevertheless, I had something to say.

“Meow.”

Nothing.

“MEOW!”

At last, the woman turned around. I put my front paws on the fence and looked her in the eye. She came around to my side, and I went straight to her feet.

I was not appropriately dressed for the occasion, but I made an excellent impression.

After a cautious introduction, she offered me breakfast. I was terribly hungry, but my troublesome teeth made the hard food difficult to eat.

Eventually, when the Art Lady sat down, I climbed into her lap and made myself comfortable. She seemed surprised. I cannot imagine why.

I fell asleep there. I believe that was the moment our negotiations took a promising turn.

Later, a carrier appeared. I was placed inside, the door was closed, and we departed. This was a significant change in our arrangements. I had not been consulted.

My temporary quarters were a kennel in the Art Lady's bathroom. I had hoped for grander accommodations, but there was warmth, good food, comfortable bedding, and someone ridiculously delighted to see me. I decided these were acceptable terms for the time being.

I conducted myself with the manners one would expect of a gentleman, and our arrangements were progressing rather nicely.

Then I overheard the Art Lady telling the Lady VT that she suspected my teeth were causing me pain. I cannot say that I have been enjoying my meals as much as a gentleman ought.

Then the humans began discussing something called neutering. I haven't been given a satisfactory explanation of what this entails, although the Lady VT and the Art Lady say it's for my own good.

More urgently, they insist that my worsening respiratory symptoms require a veterinary examination. My condition must be evaluated before we can consider the other procedures.

Which brings me to my proposition.

I could use some assistance, and rather urgently. If you would kindly help me obtain the veterinary examination I need without delay, and contribute toward my eventual dental care and neutering, I would be most grateful.

In return, I invite you to follow my continuing adventures. There is still much to discover, a few obstacles to overcome, and perhaps a few important people yet to meet.

I am Julius, the Little Lion. I believe we could make an excellent arrangement.