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How We Do Business

Before 3 weeks of age

From the time that a litter is planned, up until the pups are 3 weeks old, we work on a first deposit, first pick basis. Picks can be (and frequently are) secured by deposit prior to the actual breeding. We maintain two lists, one for each gender. When you make a deposit you are put on the list of the gender you wish in the order that cleared funds have been received for deposit. In other words, first depositor for the specified gender gets the 1st pick opportunity. The second depositor for the same gender gets the 2nd pick, and so forth. All picks must be made right after the 3-week pictures are sent out. Any person with a pick that does not choose a pup by the 3rd week will be moved back in the pick order so as to not block others from making their picks.

Breeder holds

We reserve the right to hold back any pup (or pups) in order to support our breeding program. Any breeder holds will take priority over pick positions.

Puppy Pricing

Our current price for a puppy: Males and Females $800.00 Each

Deposits

The deposit we ask for is $400.00. Obviously if we fail to produce a pup from the desired litter and of the desired gender, you will be entitled to a full refund of your deposit. Other options are switching gender or moving your reservation to another breeding. For business reasons we must guard against someone holding a pick position and then backing out at the last moment. For that reason deposits are NOT refundable with the exception of the above stated scenario where we fail to produce a pup. 

A request for refund may be considered by us on a case-by-case basis at our sole discretion. By making a deposit or purchasing a pup from us you acknowledge that you have read and agreed to the terms and conditions stipulated in this How We Do Business Section. 

To make a deposit you can mail a check, or we also accept transactions through ApplePay, Venmo, Zelle, or the CashApp. When paying by check, make it payable to Melanie Hull.

After 3 weeks of age

When all of the picks have been made, if there are any pups still available, getting a pup is just a matter of picking and paying for your pup. The pup must remain with the mother until a minimum of 8 weeks of age.

Pickups

If you are picking up a pup from us at our location you must set up an appointment. Our operation is also our home. We are not a pet store or a large commercial breeder with facilities to interface with unscheduled customer visits. When picking up a pup, if you have not already paid in full, you will need to pay the balance in cash on pickup. Please do not bring any  animals with you. Puppies must be picked up by 9 weeks of age unless an alternative plan has been arranged which may involve additional charges. The pup must remain with the mother until a minimum of 8 weeks of age.

Shipping

Although we love meeting new owners we realize this isn't always practical. When shipping, a health certificate must be issued by a licensed veterinarian within 10 days of travel. This is required for interstate sale and transport. The cost is $50. This also serves as some additional assurance that you are getting a healthy pup. Also, an airline approved crate (and crate supplies e.g. food/water bowl and crate pad) is needed which we will provide at a cost of $105. Payment of any remaining cost of purchase (price of pup minus deposit) and the above costs of the health certificate and crate must be received payable to us and cleared no later than 1 week before the pup is shipped. Puppies must be shipped by 9 weeks of age unless an alternative plan has been arranged which may involve additional charges. The airfare varies at the whim of the airline. We have seen the fare range from $325.00 to $350.00. Because the airfare is not fixed and isn't determined until the pup is at departure, the airfare itself is paid by you to us before it flies to your airport. Pups must be a minimum of 8 weeks of age to fly. Ground transportation (delivered directly to your home) is also available - prices vary depending on mileage. We can get prices on an individual, as-needed basis.

Registries

Some of our litters are registered with the AKC (American Kennel Club) and the UKC (United Kennel Club) and the DHTR (Decker Hunting Terrier Registry, if applicable). Some are only AKC registered. Note that litter registration is not the same as registering an individual dog. We will mail or give you "papers" when you get your puppy that consists of an Ownership Registration Form for all appropriate registries. Submitting these will put on record that the puppy's ownership is being transferred from the breeder (Sunshine Deckers) to you (New Owner). It also registers your pup with them and optionally allows you to order a certified pedigree showing your dog's ancestry. When you purchase a puppy from us you agree to prefix the name that you choose for the pup's official registered name with "Sunshine's" (without the quotes.) For example, Sunshine's Sage, Sunshine's Teddy Bear, etc. This is the standard and agreed upon convention of official name registration.