On 2/21/08 the founder of the Michigan Fancy Rat Association, (Kat) was given the honor of becoming an Ambassdor-at-large for the state of Michigan, working with Debbie Ducommum, "the Rat Lady" and the outstanding national organization the Rat Assistance and Teaching Society (RATS).
As an Ambassdor for RATS, Kat will be putting on presentations at local organizations and local fairs, libraries, and boys and girls clubs, distributing the valuable information associcated with RATS and promoting their goals for the care of pet rats. Kat will also be helping to promote pet rats in local 4-H programs by having them be included for judging in the pocket pet divisions. Kat will be judging pet rats on health, proper care and temperament.
On February 8th 2008 the Chinese celebrated their new year. This year is the year of the rat. It is the Chinese belief that rats are wise and represent prosperity. If this belief holds true this should be a very good year for the world in general and maybe we can put a dent in proverty all around the world.
Because it's the year of the rat let's each do our part to spread the word this year. Promote your favorite pet rat. RATS are awesome pets! Shout it far and wide. Tell it to anyone who will listen.
In July of 2006 the Founder of the Michigan Fancy Rat Association did a presentation for a group of students at the library, in Clarkston Michigan, for their teen summer reading program. Many thanks to Tracy for inviting us back a second year. Click here to see pictures and a write-up on the event.
Clarkston Presentation July 2005
The Michigan Fancy Rat Association is in the process of starting a pet therapy program. Some pet rats are as gentle and calm as a cat or a dog, that are commonly used for these types of programs. These programs were created to help sick or dying people feel better, by getting them to laugh or smile. The Michigan Fancy Rat Association would like to show the general public that pet rats can benefit others in many worthwhile ways. If you are interested in learning how to raise and train a pet fancy rat to start a program of this nature in your area, please contact us for more information.
The Michigan Fancy Rat Association is also in the process of developing a classroom presentation to use in schools, girls and boys clubs, and at zoos. We are in need of volunteers, to do posters, handouts and written documentation. If you have skills in these areas and would like to assist us in the development of this educational program, or be a presenter of this program in your local area, please contact us.