Lion Down on the Job

“Hello?”

“Hey, Stan, it’s Marvin. I’m really sorry for calling on such short notice, but I’m really in a bind. I’m here at the shop for my annual polishing and re-gilding, and they just tell me they’re short-handed and I’m going to be stuck here for the whole morning, and I wouldn’t ask this except I’m all the way across town and I’ve had this appointment for months, so I’m wondering if you could fill in for me at the library?”

“Oh, sure, no problem.”

ApYI4iO
(Think ferocious thoughts. Grr.)

Via Imgur.

You already voted!

23 thoughts on “Lion Down on the Job

  1. allein ? August 25, 2016 / 9:39 am

    So, the NY Public Library lions are called Patience and Fortitude. What should this kitty’s name be?

    ——————–
    Fun facts on the names:
    Their nicknames have changed over the decades. First they were called Leo Astor and Leo Lenox, after The New York Public Library founders John Jacob Astor and James Lenox. Later, they were known as Lady Astor and Lord Lenox (even though they are both male lions). During the 1930s, Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia named them Patience and Fortitude, for the qualities he felt New Yorkers would need to survive the economic depression. These names have stood the test of time: Patience still guards the south side of the Library’s steps and Fortitude sits unwaveringly to the north.)

    • Juno August 25, 2016 / 10:02 am

      Well, we could go with another positive quality. I’d vote for “Courage,” since that also brings to mind another famous lion.

      Or we could be ironic and go with a sin. Maybe “Gluttony,” if this kitty is anything like my own. (Or, let’s face it, their owner.)

      Or if someone can figure out where this picture is from, we could go with something more locally/culturally appropriate.

      • allein ? August 25, 2016 / 10:20 am

        Sloth?

        • Juno August 25, 2016 / 11:46 am

          That works, too!

        • debg August 25, 2016 / 12:14 pm

          It’s the cutest of the deadly sins.

          • allein ? August 25, 2016 / 12:21 pm

  2. Doug August 25, 2016 / 9:46 am

    One of these kitties it not like the others …

  3. Juno August 25, 2016 / 9:56 am

    That cat is showing those lions how it is DONE.

  4. keymusic August 25, 2016 / 10:21 am

    NYPL needs to have a live mascot to keep the two lions company. Plenty of space in front of the building for all the tourists (and locals) so see said mascot.

  5. Gigi the cat lady August 25, 2016 / 10:26 am

    Hey! I’m a cat, he’s a cat. We’re both doing the same job. You want to make something out of it buddy?

  6. Duckie ? August 25, 2016 / 10:36 am

    Oh, he is one gorgeous cat! The erect bearing, the floofy tail (yes, autocorrect, floofy is a valid word, I meant to type it, and no, I did not mean to say floods), the colour. Yes, he is a wonderful lion.

    • JenDeyan August 25, 2016 / 11:44 am

      I’ve added floofy to my dictionary so autocorrect doesn’t nag me anymore. Although, I might have to add floofilicous because that’s the word I think of when I look at that tail.

    • debg August 25, 2016 / 12:15 pm

      Duckie, how’s your hubby doing?

    • Gigi the cat lady August 25, 2016 / 12:24 pm

      Yes please update us, how bad was he hurt? Is he OK?

    • Duckie ? August 25, 2016 / 6:06 pm

      Hubby is somewhat swollen and itchy, with red bumps all over his arms, legs and face. But he is still cheerful, and his sense of humour looms largely. One sting was too close to his eye for comfort, but it’s okay. He should be going back to work on Monday.
      Thank you to everyone for your prayers, support and encouragement.

      • Smartypants August 25, 2016 / 7:20 pm

        So glad to hear he’s doing better! That must’ve been so scary.

      • Ricky's Mom August 26, 2016 / 12:44 am

        Goodness, what a relief! I hope the itching and swelling clear up eftsoons and right speedily.

      • Phred's Mom August 26, 2016 / 7:39 am

        Glad he’s doing better. What a relief.

  7. debg August 25, 2016 / 12:15 pm

    Right out of college, I worked in NYC at 42nd and Fifth Avenue, just north of the NYPL. That meant I got to see the lions every single day. I still miss the city, that time of my life, and the lions.

    • Phred's Mom August 26, 2016 / 7:43 am

      My husband’s (ex, now) office was on the corner next to the NYPL.
      Great spot. I remember being surrounded by Moonies while I was
      waiting on the steps there for him. Held my own and turned tables
      on them by countering with my best logic and humor. They gave up.
      Fun.

  8. Faye August 25, 2016 / 12:43 pm

    Patience, Fortitude and Disdain!

    I loved this scroll down. Funny.

    • Margaret August 25, 2016 / 1:37 pm

      Faye for the win!

    • Gigi the cat lady August 25, 2016 / 2:11 pm

      Oh yes! Lady Disdain from my favorite Shakespeare play!

Comments are closed.