Tonks Talk 4/9/22 Obi Ferret

Obi

     Good morning, and welcome to Saturday's edition of Tonks Talk. Today, we are joined by the Mischievous Mustelid himself, my big brother, Obi. This picture was taken just as the Judge had issued him a warning. My brother found himself before the same judge two weeks later, but that's another story. 

T. Because Obi is sitting down with us right now. Welcome back to the program. It's always a delight to have you join us.

O. Thank you, as always. It's an honor. Speaking of honor, what was that about Judges?

T. (A slight flash of pink appears under Tonks' eyes, and her left eye twitches slightly.) I was saying how we should never rush to Judge others. (She looks down and reaches to her left eye.) Oops, something in my eye. There we go. Sorry about that. 

O. (Looking smug) I know exactly what you mean. But unfortunately, I've often been misjudged. (he leans back and folds his front paws with a wide grin.)

T. (Clears throat and then says with a wink and a smile).  I'm sure you have. So, let's get started. Why don't you give us a little bit of your background? Was this your first home?

O. (tilts head and closes eyes with a thoughtful look, then speaks with a sigh.) Seems so long ago, but no. I was purchased from a pet store by some kids. They tried really hard, but they just didn't understand ferrets. I knew they were afraid of me, which worsened it because they wouldn't let me come out very often.

T. I bet that was frustrating, being a kit and having no chance to play?

O. (nods) It was very frustrating. The few times I did come out, I was so excited that I would play too rough, which led to them putting me away quickly so I wouldn't hurt anyone.

T. (nods with understanding) I remember that frustrating feeling. Did you live there long?

O. just a few months. I didn't even know they were looking to find me a home. Then, one day, some strangers came over and asked to see me.

T. Hope, you didn't choose that time to nip?

O. (laughs) The kids didn't try to take me out of my cage. They just carried it over and set it by the strangers.

T. (giggles) You must have been quite the terror. What happened next?

O. (with an excited look on his face) the stranger didn't even hesitate. he said, "Aww, he's just a baby still." Then he opened the cage and, to my shock, reached in and picked me up.

T. (Leaning forward in excitement and joy) Was that Daddy and Mommy?

O. (Laughs) You guessed it, little sister. They weren't scared at all. In fact, one of the kids asked Daddy if he was scared of me at all, and Daddy said no. Mommy then confirmed what I could already smell. She said they already had a ferret and worked with and trained wild animals. Less than two minutes later, we were driving to my new home. (Obi looks around happily)

T. I can't believe what must have been going through your head. How was the adjustment?

O. (looks pensively): As far as the thoughts in my head were concerned, they were utter confusion. I felt bad for the kids; I knew they were just in over their heads, but they tried so hard. On the other hand, I also felt excited about my future home and what that would bring.

T. In my own little way, I can relate. 

O. (smiles) It was great when I learned that others also had the same feelings. As for the adjustment, (looks around, smiles, and says) it was epic and life-altering.

T. (with a huge smile) Slightly overwhelming?

O. (chuckles) Total culture shock. First, there already were a couple ferrets. Second, by the look of the toys, they got to play everywhere. Then came the formal introduction.

T. (sighs and shakes head) Did Daddy do one of his speeches again? (laughs)

O. (Laughs with Tonks): that first one was from Ben. Daddy delivered his a few days later. He thought I needed a few days to settle in first.

T. Lucky you. I wish I had heard Ben first. Then, I would have known how to tune Daddy out. (Both laugh again)

O. That's pretty much how it went. Within a short time, I had all the same freedoms, and as an added bonus, I had a brother and sister to play with. Oh, yeah, I had mommy too. She's my favorite.

T. (Tonks rolls her eyes and mumbles something about Mommy)

O. (Chuckles) Did she give you a time-out again?

T. (with an exasperated sigh) Maybe. Back to you. So there was just Ben and Wicket?

O. Yeah, Sadie didn't come to live with us for a while. I was so blown away once I settled in. For the first few days, I came out by myself a few times; while Ben and Wicket were out all the time, Mommy or Daddy was here.

T. Being by yourself, I bet that was rough; at least I had Remus to be with. 

O. I was a little confused about that at first, but Ben said to just be patient. Sure enough, after a short time, I, too, was running around, sleeping under dressers, and stashing toys. But best of all, I was snuggling with my mommy and playing like a kit should.

T. (Sniffs and wipes her eyes.) I've not heard this story until now. How wonderful. If you don't mind, let's take a short break, and we'll be right back.

O. Thanks, I'll just be a minute. (Tonks laughs as Obi runs off to the privy)

Obi

 

T. Welcome Back. (still giggling)

O. (Wearing a slightly embarrassed smile) Sorry about that. 

T. (Putting back on a more serious face and tone) So, how long have you lived here?

O. (Obi shakes his head slowly with a wide grin) You know better than trying to slide that question by. You know I like to keep my age a mystery. 

T. (Shrugs) I had to try. Would you mind sharing a few of your favorite activities with everyone? 

O. Not at all. (Chuckles softly). Movies are one of my favorite hobbies. Especially horror movies. That is one thing Daddy and I have in common. We will sit down and watch them anytime. 

T. Do you have a favorite type of horror?

O. Hmmm. Several, I think. For instance, I love Jaws. I totally see myself in Bruce, the Shark from Jaws. Also, Nightmare on Elm Street, Halloween, and Friday the 13th are prob my favorite slasher movies. 

T. (looking worried) Are horror films the only thing you watch?

O. ( Shakes head) Not at all. I also love cooking shows, especially Chef Ramsay. Love it when he starts yelling, "It's Raw, you idiot!" I constantly yell at the TV, "I Love it raw, you idiot!" Daddy usually gets a laugh out of that. Star Wars is probably my favorite of all time.

T. ( Laughing) Chef Ramsay can make my soupie anytime. ( Both laugh.) (In a Scottish accent) I want that oyster swimming in Salmon Oil that looks like it's been buried in a desert!

O. Maybe he can convince Daddy I should have more Pickle Juice with my egg yolks and more Salmon oil in the soupie. ( laughter continues for a minute.) https://holisticferret60.proboards.com/thread/23786/pickle-juice-ferrets.

https://ferreteducation.com/how-to-make-a-soupie/.

T. What else would you consider a favorite activity?

O. Probably just about anything that ticks Daddy off. I think the madder he is, the more fun we probably had. That's Probably why the Boat in the house is still our most epic fun. It was worth being grounded from TV and Facebook for a month.

T. (stares at Obi in shock and horror.) Do you mean I can get grounded from the media for going along with your shenanigans? 

O. (Laughs) Relax, you know Daddy would never ground you. It's Mommy that you have to watch out for. So you might need to work extra hard to help Daddy make sure Mommy doesn't ever find out. (Sits back with a smug look and a big grin)

T. (Still looking worried) I hope you are right. Do you have favorite roles you prefer to play? 

O. (Looks excited to talk about his acting) If I'm a naughty character, I play a pirate, but if I'm a good character, I play a Jedi.

T. Which would you say you play the most?

O. (Laughs) A pirate, of course! ( Both laugh.)

T. Why were you always the "bad guy?"

O. (Smiles very warmly as if missing a dear friend.) Because Ben always wanted to be a hero, he played the role of a hero like no other.

Ben

T. There is a picture of him throwing a dramatic pose after being knocked unconscious before awakening to defeat your evil sea monster.

O. (As they both chuckle, Obi says) "That sure was a grand day." You would have enjoyed it.

T. I Imagine I would have, and I can't wait to tell the tale. Although, I have to say I'm always surprised at how fast time flies, and we only have time for one more question. I know you already know it, but I'm gonna ask anyway. (With a big smile, asks) If you could be anything for a day, what would you be?

O. (Stands up and holds up a front paw like he is holding a sword) A Jedi, of course! I would want to be just like Rey. I would be a Gray Jedi and use both sides of the force.

T. Of course you would. (She laughs and hugs her brother.) Thank you very much for coming to the show today, and I look forward to sharing many adventures with you in the future. 

O. Thank you for having me. (bows)

T. That's all the time we have this evening. Thank you for joining us on another episode of Tonks Talk. Join us next week, and we will be joined by some more ferrets from the local shelter looking for homes. Till then, take care.

Nymphadora