About Us
I came under the "Papillon Spell" in 1984 with my very first Papillon, Tinkerbell. She was so tiny, she fit in my hand. Six months later we acquired Annabell, Tinkerbell's sister. We didn't get these two dogs from a Papillon Club of America (PCA) member, and they had some problems. Naturally, we've learned a lot since then. Tinker is especially distinctive because she was our family's "initiation" into the world of the Papillons. I joined the PCA in 1988, to learn more about this breed and gain more insight on the breed standard.

My husband, Tony, and I spent the first couple of years of our marriage traveling around the United States because of his employment. This afforded me the perfect opportunity to begin my serious Papillon investigation. We visited prominent kennels to discuss Papillons with the experts. The time that was spent with me by the people we visited and their graciousness and patience, was one of the most important developments that led me to study the total dog, and commit myself to breeding the best example of Papillon Standard possible. Armed with this new insight, we made a conscious decision to put forth our best effort in showing Papillons. We then showed and finished several dogs to championships. Because of the kindness, and time given to me when I first started showing Papillons, I advanced in the right direction to become a responsible show breeder.

After a couple of traveling years, Tony and I decided to return to southern Illinois, be close to our families, have children and work towards our goals of raising and showing our homebred Papillons. Our children, Steven and Jennifer, love our dogs, play with them daily, and they are good helpers. Hopefully, they're a couple of junior handlers in the making. I believe our children will grow to be better adults because they have witnessed birth and separation, participated in nurturing, and have come to understand rules, actions and consequences. In addition to the thrill of the show ring, not much can compare with the thrill of seeing my kids attempting to "stack" a reluctant puppy, moving its feet and talking to it, as if it could understand every word. As a young girl, I remember watching a family friend, as she trained and showed their dogs. I watched her interaction with the dogs and saw what care and pride she put into each one. That was the moment which my dream of showing and breeding dogs became clear.

I'm pleased to say that our start in breeding and showing Papillons has proven to be very sound. Over the years we have worked to develop a sophisticated breeding program which includes a distinctive "look". We bred our homebred champion, "Earth Angel", to a dog that has some of these very qualities and were very pleased with the puppies from that breeding. We showed two puppies from that litter to their championships. Both also placed at the 2000 PCA Nationals held in Knoxville, TN. Most recently we have added a wonderful showy girl who has given us some very nice puppies. These puppies will improve coats and help add that "look" we have grown to love and strive for.

Our dogs have always been a "Joy" in our lives. We consider them gifts, and are committed to preserving and nurturing this delightful breed in every way possible. They are our "Majestic Joy".

Our Mission Statement
Our mission statement, "Pursuing Excellence" is our commitment of developing a sound and elegant looking dog that fulfills the Breed Standard and is a wonderful family pet which can also be shown in conformation or perform obedience as well as agility.

Our Philosophy
Majestic Joy's working philosophy is simple; to maintain a sound, successful breeding program by utilizing scientific genetic resources for the correct breed standard traits. We are serious in our commitment in producing quality dogs, and we know that careful selection and time are two ingredients which have no substitutes. Majestic Joy's ultimate success depends upon our ability to successfully select the puppies which are kept for showing and breeding. Although no single breeder will always be 100% successful, utilizing a scientific approach gives us a better than average opportunity for a Papillon that excels and is true to breed standards of physical appearance, temperament and attitude.

Group Affiliations
Papillon Club of America - USA
Greater Chicagoland Papillon Club- Illinois
Papillon (Butterfly Dog) Club - England
Crab Orchard Kennel Club-Illinois
Silky Terrier Club of America - USA

References
Dr. James Bates: Veterinarian and owner of DuQuoin Veterinarian Clinic, DuQuoin, IL, 618-542-4472

Dr. Wayne Hurliman: Veterinarian and owner of Flora Veterinarian Clinic, Flora, IL, 618-662-4176

Ann Gross- Freidley: Tamoroa, IL, shows and trains in obedience, 618-496-5457

Shari Doran: Evansville, WI, has two Majestic Joy Papillons, E-mail: doran@jvlnet.com

Liz Doyle: Clarksville, TN, Breeder and owner of several Majestic Joy Papillons, E-mail: hollydalek@aol.com

Testimonials
Many people have entered my life, both personally and professionally and they all have contributed to it. I will always be thankful for their caring, support and wisdom. Below are some comments:

Mrs. Leona Domino: Genetic Research Chairperson for the Papillon Club of America. E-mail: Ldomino309@aol.com "I've known Rita Koy for 11 years and I have no negative comments. Rita behaves appropriately with selling pet puppies only with a spay/neuter agreement, encouraging responsible breeding and selling: the mark of a dedicated breeder. Rita is a member of the Papillon Club of America and is in good standing. You should get a pedigree (family tree), AKC registration papers (probably a limited registration) health records and a contract between buyer and seller..."

Norma Baugh: Editor, "Silky Terrier Times Magazine" owner of Amron Silky Terriers of Houston, TX, Breeder and Co-Breeder of Several Silky Terriers bred by Majestic Joy Silky Terriers. E-mail: amronbear@aol.com , 281-376-5500 "I must be honest and say that I 've never been to Rita's home, but, Rita has been to my home. She and I have been working together for at least 5 years, regarding my Silky Terriers. I know that Rita takes good care of her dogs and actively pursues responsible breeding. As to socialization, she has two small children and I think that speaks for itself-- they are well socialized."

Stacy Harris: Attorney, Evansville, Indiana. , owner of 2 Majestic Joy Papillons (U-CD Domino's Wild Card CDX, CGC) &( Majestic Joy Pay The Piper). Stacy shows and trains in obedience as well as Conformation. Email:wildcardpapillons@hotmail.com , 812-963-6654 "I met Rita about 3 years ago, when I considering a Papillon for obedience. During one of our discussions Rita mentioned that "Ace" is a fanatic retriever; that caught my attention. I went to her house to meet Ace. He was very bonded to Rita, her dogs adore her. I noticed that all Rita's dogs had wonderful, out-going personalities and they are very flashy and bold, the epitome of Papillon personality. Ace displayed such drive and was so lovely, I could not have asked for a better dog. I took him home. Ace is a marvelous dog and I kept in touch with Rita since. When I decided to get another Papillon for obedience, and for conformation. I knew it would be from Rita. I met Piper when he was 9 weeks old, and went to pick him up at 12 weeks. He has a great temperament, loves everything, is intensely smart and very good-looking. He earned his first 2 points, the first time in the ring, at 6 months old. What I especially appreciate is Rita's ability to match her puppies/dogs with future owners. I highly recommend getting a Majestic Joy Papillon! ..." Please feel free to contact me personally by email or phone. You can see Ace and Piper on my Website: http://www.geocities.com/wildcardpapillons/."

Carol Morris: Breeder, and Co-breeder of a litter with Majestic Joy Papillons, Email: CinciPap@cinci.rr.com "I've known Rita for 10-12 years. We talk several times a year by telephone and at the dog shows. It's been my experience that she continues to be available as a friend and mentor once a Majestic Joy Papillon is placed in a new home. New "family members" are placed carefully, in suitable homes. Rita delivers follow-up support for as long as needed or wanted. I 've never heard of a Majestic Joy puppy buyer who has not been treated fairly."

Garoleen Wilson: Breeder, and Co-breeder with Majestic Joy Papillons. Email: wilsong@ruraltel.net "I co-owned Ruby with Rita for a couple of years and we co-bred 2 litters together. She is honest and easy to work with. I trusted her with one of my dogs and I think she would honestly represent any dog she may offer for sale. Good Luck in finding a Papillon suited to you. They are worth the wait."

Linda Gennrich: Owner of a Majestic Joy Silky Terriers. Email: thegennrichs@netzero.net "... Rita is so special and loves her puppies as if they were her own children. Our baby (Clyde) is so beautiful and healthy and such a family member. Rita has such a love for her extended family (puppies) as well as her older dogs that you can't help but love her as well as her puppies. Rita discussed what type of personality we were looking for; she introduced us to a puppy that fulfilled our requests. You'll never find anyone, anywhere who has puppies and dogs that love people and family the way Rita's do. Rita is a grand breeder and our puppy has the greatest health, is loving, cuddly and is as wonderful as yours will be. Please listen to my words and know that I speak right from my heart when I say YOU'LL GET THE BEST LOVING AND SWEETEST PUPPY IN THE WORLD from Rita."

Julie Butenhoff: Owner of 2 Majestic Joy Papillons, Milwaukee, WI, E-mail: JButenhoff@wi.rr.com 414-273-0062. "I had been researching Papillons for a year, trying to find the right breeder and dog. When I met Rita, I instinctively knew that I had come to the right place. She spent time with me, became familiar with me, and then after several conversations she called to say that she thought she had the right Papillons for me. SHE WAS RIGHT!!! I've had our two dogs for well over a year, and they are a complete joy that have become an integral part of my life. I would never consider buying any dog other than a Papillon, and I would never consider buying it from anyone but Rita Koy. My boyz are sons of Thunder, CH Domino's Thunder Bolt. You can see the them and their dad at Rita's website. Their names are Lafayette (Majestic Joy HiddenTreasure) and Voltaire (Majestic Joy Windjammer). "

Majestic Joy Papillons 1249 Old DuQuoin Rd. DuQuoin, IL 62832 618-790-4750 Rita L. Koy majesticjoy@earthlink.net http://www.majesticjoypapillons.com