I think you missed her point entirely.

For example: ME
I put a lot of time into rats, so much so people think I'm a bit crazy for how much time and study and play time I put into these rats, BUT (big ol' but)

I am no where near the dedication and intimacy fancy rat breeders are with their own stock. They are 10,000 times more devoted than I will likely ever be in regards to their pairings, genetic pedigrees, and just plain socializing.

If you plan on charging ahead anyways and trying to meet them in a middle ground, I have some emails I'd share with you first on the responses I got when I reached out to them.

They will not accept you; plain and simple.

I have joined a few rat forums, but honestly, not my thing.