We live about 120 miles west of Chicago in Tampico, IL, birthplace of Ronald Reagan. We are about 40 miles from the Quad Cities and we now have 7 wonderful acres for the dogs to run. We are expanding our breeding but it will take a while. We still plan on accomodating our Chicago families. We are willing to deliver (small fee involved; within reasonable distance - chicagoland areas) and/or meet somewhere in the middle. Also I will consider shipping to approved homes. Shipping will be on non-stop flights only and in climate controlled compartments. Price for shipping is estimated be around $200-$250 and will include: airline ticket, shipping crate, Vet exam, Certificate of Health and shots. Pups cannot be shipped until they are 8 weeks (12 weeks if Rabies shot is required), no exceptions. Pups well being must come first.
Pups have their tails docked and dew claws removed between 3-4 days old, 2 dewormings, first shots and check-up, and Health Guarantee. Pups go home around 8 weeks. They start paper-training at 4 wks. and are registered with Universal (UKCI) and National Rat Terrier Assoc.(NRTA). Our newest star and stud Max, has just sired his first litter due July 20, 2008. He has UKC champion bloodlines and he is UKC (United Kennel Club) registerable. Pups also come with a 3 generation Pedigree with pictures and in color and Puppy Pack which includes 1 lb. food, treats, chew toys, personal blanket, all in their own personalized bag plus a crate/kennel (different types, available on first come - first serve availability basis) and literature for new puppy owners. A $50 non-refundable deposit holds your choice until they are picked up.
I breed as a hobby, not for a living, which means our pups get one-on-one attention, pretty much 24/7. We have 2 grown children, a teenager and three grandchildren, all of which play an important role in the development of our pups. We try to plan litters for the summer, so our kids and grandkids can come and spend time with us and are a big help. It is also very beneficial for the pups as, they are used to different dogs (friends and family pets), people and children. Once the pups are born, families on our waiting list are invited for their first visit when the pups are about 4 weeks, and are given the opportunity to choose their pup at that time, or by picture if travel is not convenient. I encourage those who live close, to come visit as often as they would like. It gives the pups a chance to get to know them and visa-versa. When the pups are born, I update pictures often, as I know how excited the families are, I was! I keep the families updated through the website. It gets harder and harder as they grow and are more active. I can also assist you in choosing the right pup for you. Their personalities start to develop around the 4 week mark. The dogs are beautiful, no matter what coloring, but each has their own unique personalities. Some are laid back and some more active, depends on what is right for you and/or your family.
We currently have 2 breeding females and two studs. We have retired Bear and Sophie, who are sisters. Jasmine had her 2nd litter July 20th and Samantha & Max's first litter is planned for January 2009. Our dogs, especially the females, are in tip-top shape prior to breeding (exam, blood tests etc. plus vitamins). They are of course, spoiled and they visit the vet about 1 week before due date. We feed them holistic, high quailty dog food - Flint River Ranch - which I am a distributor. I will also give samples in their puppy pack and have availble 10 lbs. bags at $6 off price during pick-ups at 7-8 weeks.
PLEASE NOTE: If you have a rat you can no longer care for, please contact us or a resuce group before taking to a shelter. We will do our best to find a new home. All resuces will be spayed or neutered (if not already) before placing in a new home. We also include in our contract, a life time return policy on every pup we place (this policy is limited to pups born & bred at Busy Bee, non-binding to rescues). If at any time your curent home situation changes and you can no longer keep your pup, we will take them back and find them a new home, no refund or kennel fee. We strive to insure that none of our dogs end up in a shelter.
I also offer my services to my current families, otherwise know as follow-up or after care. I am available most any time via e-mail or telephone for any questions or issues. I also offer, at half the price of kennels, Busy Bee Camp. I am willing to keep the pup in case of family vacations or outings. There are a few guidelines and it is on an availability schedule, meaning that I will be home during the timeframe needed and can be discussed when the time arises.
Album by Busy Bee. Photos by Busy Bee. 1 - 28 of 28 Total. 1738 Visits.
1 2008 Christmas Rat terriers know how to open presents.....
2 Time for Treats! Even with 6 dogs, they know how to sit nice and wait for their turn for a treat. It is good to teach them manners & patience and then reward!
3 Tampico Map We are located where you see the RED STAR.
4 Spring has arrived in Tampico...
5 Dogs sunning themselves
6 Ozzy
7 Sophie
8 L to R; Sami, Deuce & Bear The dogs are lounging around on the porch enjoying our first few days of the70's. Deuce (our grandson from 1st litter, future stud) is visiting us for a couple of weeks while my daughter is moving
9 Little sis and big bro although they are 3 years apart, Sami and Deuce share the same parents, just from different litters.
10 100 7102
11 Christmas morn 2006
12 Christmas morn 2006
13 Christmas morn 2006
14 test 090
15 test 081
16 October 2006 011
17 test 085
18 100 6831
19 Rat Pack We called this the rat pack. Rats don't care for the cold Chicago weather. This is their favorite place to hudle, in front of the heater vent........
20 Pups on vacation Sept 5, 2004 We took the crew (our 4 plus our grandpup Deuce), up to Michigan for Labor Day to visit family who also have two of our first pups, Angus and Lola. The 7 of them had a ball on their several acres of land.
21 Nico and crew My grandon Nicholas helps me out with the summer litters. He is wonderful and the dogs and pups adore him.
22 Angus wazzup Angus is owned by my sister-in-law in Michigan. He is from our first litter and is one and a half yrs. old. He is quite the character.
23 X-mas2 2004
24 Jazz side view
25 Jasmine Lilly 11 mths Jazzy is the newest addition to our family. She currently 11 months old and we look forward to her and Ozzy's pups next year. There is a possibily that she may have pups with one of Ozzy's sons. We hope to continue the line of beauty, conformation and temperment.
26 Mia Deuce Cookie Talk about training and patience....Mia is a lab and Deuce's 'sister', so to speak. Both dogs are owned by my daughter.
27 Halloween 2003 Mama Bear a devil? What can I say, it was the only costume left in her size. Ozzy made an awesome Harley Dog.
28 Deuce in car Yes, rats are so smart, you can even teach them to drive!
