I've been waiting to see someone do a take on this subject in the context of Zootopia so for you to stop here already, I cannot say I'm not disappointed. But muses are fickle beings so it is understandable. There's not much I can comment on yet because things have barely begun. Your interpretation of how it could get to this point in their world is interesting. Using Nick's love for his mother as a factor in him going into a profession that he doesn't even believe in rings true to his character. Survive first and think later is practically his motto.

Nice. Heh, 1937...that's the year the War broke out in my country. (A guess to where I'm from ;)

It's a nice start. looking forward to the next chapter