Shooting Star Labs

Whitney A.

Breeder of Labrador Retrievers

  • Saunemin, IL
  • Responds within a day

Meet the breeder

I'm Whitney A., the breeder behind Shooting Star Labs located in Saunemin, IL. We adore our dogs! They’ve enriched our lives in ways we never imagined, and we are so happy to be able to share the wonderful qualities of the breed with others. Owning a Labrador Retriever is a beautiful experience, and it would be our honor to connect you with the perfect new addition to your family.

Q. & A. with Whitney

  • Why did you start breeding?

    This started out as a mother-daughter venture as a way to share our love of the Labrador breed! We prefer the thick, blocky English type Lab and our stock come from champion conformation lines. Our dogs are also used in modeling and have starred in commercials and ads for companies such as Purina, Duke's, Amazon, and more!

  • What makes your program special?

    Our puppies are raised in our home where they are exposed to young children and other animals. Daily handling and play time keep them well rounded and socialized.

  • What are the different breed coat colors in your program?

    Our puppies include black and yellow. Colors will vary depending on the parent dogs.

  • Where do your breeding dogs live?

    They live in my home.

Matched dogs

These dogs are already reserved or have gone home.

Getting a puppy from Whitney

Whitney has been certified by Good Dog’s screening team for responsible and trusted breeding practices. When you’re ready, reach out to ask about the puppies or anything else on your mind. You’ll get to know each other through messaging, phone, or video and pay securely, all on Good Dog.

After buyers complete the application and screening process, Whitney partners with them to find the best puppy match.

Price

Puppy prices include a $100 non-refundable deposit and between $1,900 - $2,400 final payment, before taxes & fees.

“The price includes limited AKC registration. Additional cost applies for Full Registration to approved homes. The deposit is non refundable. Deposit can be moved to a different puppy or litter if needed.”

Contract & health guarantee

Whitney may provide a written contract or health guarantee when you purchase a puppy. This helps protect both you and your breeder, ensuring that you both have a clear understanding of the terms of your puppy purchase. If Whitney offers a contract or guarantee, the details will be personalized by them. If you have any questions or want to know more, don't hesitate to reach out to Whitney directly.

All contracts are handled securely through Good Dog.

You’re protected
on Good Dog

When you pay and communicate on Good Dog, you’re covered by Payment Protection.

What's included

    • From Good Dog
      • Lifetime support from Good Dog’s Care Team
      • 10% lifetime discount on Figo pet insurance
      • Puppy Training Program & private community
    • Enrichment & socialization
      • Various sounds
      • Car rides
      • Surface & tactile stimulation
      • Socialized with children
      • Daily handling
      • Socialized with other dogs
      • Introduced to people of different ages and appearances
      • Socialized with other animals
    • Puppy health practices
      • Vet check
      • First round of shots and deworming
      • Microchip
      • Vet records
    • Extras
      • Blanket with mom & littermates’ scent
      • Initial potty training
      • Puppy starter kit
      • Toys
      • Food & treats
      • Registration

Location & pick-up

You can drive or fly to pick up your puppy from Whitney.

Breeder's location

Meet in Saunemin, IL

Other pick-up locations

Meet in Joliet, IL

More about Whitney

  • Whitney has been a member of Good Dog for over 3 years

    Whitney was screened for responsible practices and has been a member since 2022.

  • Whitney’s links

Whitney is a trusted Good Dog breeder

Shooting Star Labs meets or exceeds our community standards in these areas:

  • Responsible breeding practices
  • Health of breeding dogs and puppies
  • Puppy environment and enrichment
  • Buyer education and policies

Litter and program updates

Parent dogs

Parent health testing

Breeder-Reported Testing

Excellent level

Shooting Star Labs reports to performing the health tests below on their breeding dogs. Ask your breeder about the tests performed on the parents of your litter. Learn more about health testing for Labrador Retrievers.

  • Hip Dysplasia

    Hip testing reduces the chance of passing down hip dysplasia, which is primarily found in large breed dogs and can cause hip pain and the eventual loss of the function of the hip joint.

  • Elbow Dysplasia Finals (OFA, BVA, SV, FCI)

    Elbow testing reduces the chance of passing down elbow dysplasia, which is primarily found in large breed dogs and can cause arthritis in the elbow joint and front leg lameness.

  • Eye Examination (rDVM, not registered with OFA)

    Eye testing reduces the chance of passing down a wide range of hereditary eye illnesses including retinal dysplasia, lens luxation, and glaucoma, which can cause impared vision or blindness.

  • Cardiac Evaluation (registered with OFA)

    Heart testing reduces the chance of passing down congenital heart disease, which can cause a range of symptoms ranging from trouble exercising to heart failure.

  • DNA Disease Panel, PRA, Rod-Cone Degeneration (PRA-prcd), Exercise Induced Collapse (EIC), Centronuclear Myopathy (CNM), D Locus (Dilute) DNA test

    Genetic testing reduces the chance of passing down a wide variety of hereditary diseases of differing prevalence and severity such as Progressive Retinal Atrophy (an eye disease) and Von Willebrand's Disease (a blood disease).

Verified owner stories

Hear what other owners say about working with Whitney to bring home their puppies.

  • John B.

    Verified owner · Dec. 2025

    Getting our puppy from Whitney (Shooting Star Labs) was a huge stroke of good luck for us. The puppy is wonderful and has an amazing disposition and personality. She was clearly extremely well socialized, both with other dogs and people, including young children. This is a huge benefit for adapting a puppy into a new family. Whitney is the absolute best with frequent social media updates (with great photos and videos) so we could watch our puppy grow before the 'big day.' Whitney is also very responsive to any questions or comments (the Good Dog app makes all this very easy.) Everything about this process was simple and straightforward. Whitney is the type of breeder and person you hope you are lucky enough to stumble upon while searching for your 'dream lab.' We give Shooting Star Labs our highest rating and recommendation!

    KK

    Karen K.

    Verified owner · Dec. 2023

    Duke is the best pup ever!! Shooting Star was amazing to work with and can tell they love all their pups! Smartest puppy ever

    MY

    Mark Y.

    Verified owner · Dec. 2022

    It was a great experience. Whitney was great from the start. When we picked up the puppy he was really well cared for. She gave us a complete and thorough evaluation and our next steps. Whitney cares

  • Paula O.

    Verified owner · Nov. 2025

    This review is way overdue. I picked up Baylee Raye over two years ago, and she is by far one of the smartest dogs I've ever had. From day one, she has displayed how smart she is, and it's great to see. Not only is she intelligent, but she is also loving and enjoys cuddles and belly rubs. Thanks, Whitney, for caring for Baylee Raye!

    Lesley A.

    Verified owner · Dec. 2022

    Once we picked a pup from the litter Whitney kept us up to date on his vaccinations & microchip & weight status. She sent several photos so we could see his progress as he was growing. She was a delight to meet & we absolutely love our ‘Jagger’. He is a joyful and playful pup. Very friendly & so sweet. We highly recommend Shooting Star Labs. They breed beautiful dogs with great personalities!

Photos

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Health testing is one key piece of responsible breeding and is performed on breeding dogs to prevent the presence of heritable conditions in their puppies.

Health testing is one key piece of responsible breeding and is performed on breeding dogs to prevent the presence of heritable conditions in their puppies.

Health testing is one key piece of responsible breeding and is performed on breeding dogs to prevent the presence of heritable conditions in their puppies.

Health testing is one key piece of responsible breeding and is performed on breeding dogs to prevent the presence of heritable conditions in their puppies.

Health testing is one key piece of responsible breeding and is performed on breeding dogs to prevent the presence of heritable conditions in their puppies.

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