People have prejudices about and fears towards rats; they are misunderstood creatures. However, for a large segment of the population, the rodents are cherished pets. The fancy rat is the most common breed of domesticated or pet rat. The name fancy rat derives from the idea of animal fancy (the promotion of domesticated animals) or the phrase "to fancy" (meaning to like or appreciate). Wild-caught specimens that become docile and bred for many generations still fall under the fancy type.

In this book, animal activist and photographer Diane Ozdamar shares compelling, personality-filled portraits and stories about rats she’s fostered, leading the way to help the countless rats currently living in animal shelters to find loving homes. The stories that accompany the portraits will give readers a sense of each subject’s unique personality, fascinating behaviors, and social interactions. In addition, özdamar provides tips about rats’ care and maintenance and explains how to adopt rescue rats, how many rats to adopt, and why. Readers will also get a behind-the-scenes look at özdamar’s photographic approach, including how she uses a mini photo studio to produce such images. She provides quick photography tips for people who’d like to take pictures of their rats, lending the confidence they need to enjoy their own creative photo shoots.

Diane ozdamar's profile page

Diane ozdamar is a self-taught senior illustrator, photographer, and graphic designer, born in France and currently residing in Montreal, QC, Canada. She has always loved art in all its forms. Her very first passion was drawing and painting, yet she craved to expand the scope of her artistic abilities and fell in love with photography when her father gave her a camera for her eighteenth birthday. Diane has been taking pet rats pictures since 2006, to find good homes for the abused andabandoned rats she fostered. She noticed the images not only got people interested in adopting these rats but also helped others overcome their phobia of rats and/or their negative stereotype. A large collection of these pictures was exhibited during the 2011, 2012, and 2013 editions of the annual show Animal Expo" in Paris, France, where Diane gave lectures about general rats care and maintenance, and informed visitors about these lovely creatures."

“Diane, through these superb images, managed to capture the looks, attitudes, and expressions that make rats such adorable companions. Rats are, behavior-wise, the most closely related to human beings compared to other pets, and will engage in wonderful social interactions and bring support, complicity, and love.”

—Christophe Bulliot, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Diplomate of the European College of Zoological Medicine, Small Mammals

“Mischief, sweetness—the rats pictured by Diane sparkle with joy; a great way to lighten their highly prejudiced reputation . . . ”

—Charlotte Bousquet, Writer & Scenarist