"The nerve of some mammals," Bonnie muttered as she stepped inside the burrow.

Her six-year-old son followed her into the home as she set the shopping bag, giving him what was inside. As the buck ran giddily with what he was given, she let out a sigh and shook her head.

From where he was seated in the living room, Nick looked over and saw the look that was on her face. Bonnie was never the type of rabbit that let things bring her down, so it was evident was troubling her right now.

"What's wrong, Mrs. Hopps?" he asked.

"Oh, nothing," Bonnie replied. "I just don't understand how in this day and age that some of us can be so darn prejudiced?"

After a brief pause, the fox asked, "What happened?"

"I took Alex with me to the store that's further in town this afternoon," Bonnie explained. "His grandfather got him a gift card, and I took him so he could pick out a new toy or something with it. And you know how he's been really into firefighters lately?"

"Yeah?" the vulpine said, nodding his head attentively.

"Well," she continued, "we got to the toy aisle, and found this figure that could go with his fire station playset. It was a brown bear in a firefighter's outfit, and he picked it out all by himself."

"So what happened?" the tod asked.

Bonnie replied, "He decided that's what he wanted to get, so we went to the checkout. So the guy checking us out looks down at the figure while he scans it, and then he looks over at Alex. And then do you know what he said?" This was the part that appeared to irritate Bonnie the most.

"What?"

"He asks Alex if he's sure this is really what he wants because they had a bunch of other figures that weren't 'scary mammals' and looked much nicer. Meaning that because the action figure was a bear that it wasn't a nice mammal! I mean... seriously?" She sighed once more.

Nick shook his head. While this kind of speciesism—predators being referred to as scary or untrustworthy mammals—wasn't anything new to him, it was still saddening. "Gosh," he answered. "The nerve of some mammals."

Bonnie nodded her head. "That's exactly what I thought. I mean, how can some folks just be okay with being so ignorant? And for him to say that to a child?"

"I don't understand the rudeness of some mammals either," Nick admitted. "Being a fox on the force, I get some hurtful remarks thrown at me at times."

Mrs. Hopps continued, "So my jaw practically dropped when he said that, but it was actually Alex who had the perfect response to that."

"What did he say?" the vulpine wondered.

Bonnie said, "He told the cashier, 'Well, we're both firefighters, and anyone can do anything no matter animal they are.'"

Nick chuckled. "He's a smart kid," he said. "Wiser than his years. I bet that guy felt pretty silly hearing such smart words from a six-year-old." He let out a sigh. "Well, Mrs. Hopps, I guess it just goes to show: Some mammals out there can learn a thing or two from kits, since they're born knowing only to respect everyone, regardless of species."

"That is very true," Mrs. Hopps replied.

"Station Fifty-One to the rescue!" a young voice proclaimed.

Just then, Alex came running into the living room, grinning widely. The six-year-old buck had the new figure clutched in his paw, and in the other was a plastic firefighter's hat.

"There's a fire that needs put out!" the young bunny said as he played. Looking over at Nick, he added, "Our newest member to the team and I need backup. You think you can help us put the fire out, Uncle Nick?"

The fox got up from the couch and saluted. "I am here to help wherever duty calls," he said with a smile.

"You'll need one of these," Alex said, placing the red plastic hat on top of his Uncle Nick's head. "Can't be a firefighter without your hat."

"Where's the fire?" asked the tod with enthusiasm, pretending to look around.

The young buck pointed towards the stairs that led to the next floor. "That way, sir!" he exclaimed.

"Well, we better put on the siren and get over there as quick as we can!"

Alex started to run up the steps, making his best imitation of the siren on a firetruck. And Nick followed him as he did so, smiling as he continued to play pretend firefighter with him.

Author's Note: This was partially inspired by a story I read about a toddler when asked by a cashier why she chose a doll of color instead of one that "looked more like her," she remarked, "But she's a pretty girl and I'm a pretty girl."

Also, anyone manage to spot the little reference hidden in this story? :)

Anyway, hope you liked this little story. As always, let me know what your thoughts were on this. Your thoughts, good and bad, are always gladly appreciated.

'Til next time, everybody! :)