



I'm Nicole R., the breeder behind Summer Lovin’ Labradors of Southern Illinois located in Marion, IL. As a small, family-based breeder, Summer Lovin’ Labradors raises every litter in our home with constant care, love, and daily human interaction. Our puppies receive one-on-one attention, interaction with our two young boys, time to explore the yard independently, and early introduction to crate and potty training. Our goal is to raise confident, well-balanced puppies and help you find your next companion, family member, best friend, or hunting partner.

Why did you start breeding?
What makes your program special?
What are the different breed coat colors in your program?
Where do your breeding dogs live?

These dogs are already reserved or have gone home.

Frank- Grey
Male

Blue
Male

Harley- Hot Pink
Female

Maverick- Black
Male

Aubie- White
Female

Rocky- Light Blue
Male

Birdie- Light Purple
Female

Lilly- Light Pink
Female

Bo- Red
Male

Jackson- Orange
Male

Artemis- Yellow
Female

Arlo- Blue
Male

Purple- Silver
Female

Baloo- Lime Green
Male

Cinder- Pink
Female

Winter Mae- Purple
Female

Green
Male

Turquoise
Female

Dolly- Pink Collar
Female

Raven-Yellow Collae
Female

Black
Male

Grey
Male

Light Blue
Female

Orange
Female

Maggie- Charcoal Female Purple
Female

Charcoal Male Yellow Collar
Male

Skipper- Charcoal Male Lime Green
Male

Remington- Charcoal Male Grey
Male

Sterling- Silver Female Light Purple Collar
Female

Dennis- Silver Male Brown Collar
Male

Charcoal Female Pink Collar
Female

Baker- Charcoal Male Light Blue Collar
Male

Charcoal Female Orange Collar
Female

Silver Female- Purple
Female

Charcoal Female- Light Purple
Female

Charcoal Male- Turquoise
Male
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Charcoal Male- Shadow (Yellow)
Male

Silver Male- Black
Male

Silver Male- Orange
Male

Gunner- Charcoal Male- Red
Male
Nicole 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, Nicole partners with them to find the best puppy match.

“What’s included: -Clear Embark tested parents -Dewclaws removed -De-wormed -Vaccinations at 6 weeks -AKC Reunite microchip & registration -AKC registered, litter certificate & vet records -5-day health guarantee -12-month genetic guarantee -25-month hip & eye guarantee -Puppy care package with food, treats, toy, and supplies We raise happy, healthy, well-socialized puppies and are committed to full transparency with every family. By placing a deposit with Summer Lovin’ Labradors, you agree to the following terms: -Deposits are non-refundable. No exceptions will be made unless we are unable to provide the puppy you requested. -We require a $300 non-refundable deposit to hold a puppy in your name. Puppies are selected in the order deposits are received. -Deposits may be transferred to a different litter one time only. If a deposit is transferred more than once, it will be forfeited. -The remaining balance is due prior to puppy pick-up, at which point ownership is transferred. -All puppies are sold with limited AKC registration, unless approved by the breeder. *Paid in full discount: We offer $200 off for puppies under 3 weeks of age when the full amount is paid upfront. This discount cannot be combined with any other offers, only one discount applies per puppy.”
Nicole 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 Nicole 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 Nicole directly.
When you pay and communicate on Good Dog, you’re covered by Payment Protection.
You can drive or fly to pick up your puppy from Nicole.
Meet in Marion, IL
Meet at St. Louis Lambert Airport
Meet in St. Louis, MO
Club memberships
Nicole is a member of GLIB.
Certifications & recognitions
AKC Breeder with H.E.A.R.T..
Nicole has been a member of Good Dog for about 5 years
Nicole was screened for responsible practices and has been a member since 2021.
Nicole’s links

Summer Lovin’ Labradors of Southern Illinois meets or exceeds our community standards in these areas:

Nicole R.
Week 5 weigh ins and photos 💕








Maverick and Storm's litter

Nicole R.
Official weigh-ins from yesterday’s vet visit! 🐾💕 Our puppies had their 6-week checkup yesterday and received their microchips, first puppy vaccine, and routine deworming. We are happy to report that everyone had a wonderful checkup with no concerns or issues! These little ones are growing beautifully, thriving, and getting one step closer to their go-home days 💕🐶



Maverick and Mo's litter

Nicole R.
Puppy play time ☀️🐾







Nicole R.


Nicole R.
Week 4 weight and photo updates








Maverick and Storm's litter

Nicole R.
5 weeks old weigh in and updated photos.








Maverick and Mo's litter

Nicole R.
Mo’s babies have teefers and an appetite! Bring on the kibble.




Maverick and Mo's litter

Nicole R.
Week #3 weigh ins and updated photos. It’s been a busy week off development with eyes opening and ears forming. Puppy mush will begin on Wednesday so these chunks will have a jump in weight for next week.








Maverick and Storm's litter

Nicole R.
Week 4 updates for weigh ins and photos 💕








Maverick and Mo's litter

Nicole R.
Puppy picks will begin Saturday morning at 11am. If you have a one in mind already please let me know. Picks can be done in person at our home in Marion, IL, by photos/videos or FaceTime.



Maverick and Mo's litter

All breeds

Dilute Retriever

Labrador Retriever

Dilute Retriever
About Storm
Meet Storm 🖤 Storm is a loving, petite charcoal Lab with a big personality packed into a small frame. She’s happiest with a ball in her mouth or curled up close for snuggles—truly the best of both worlds. She currently lives in a wonderful guardian home alongside her older Lab sister and her favorite humans, where she’s spoiled with love and attention every day. Sweet, smart, and full of heart, Storm is as special as they come. 🐾✨

Labrador Retriever
About Reilly
Meet Reilly 💛 Reilly is our beautiful champagne female with a fun, spunky personality that keeps everyone on their toes. Named after Ryan O’Reilly, captain of the St. Louis Blues, she carries that same bold and spirited energy. She’s an adventurous girl who absolutely loves the water and is always ready for her next splash-filled outing. Despite her playful side, Reilly is a true sweetheart with so much love to give. With her gentle nature and affectionate personality, she’s sure to be a very loving and attentive mama. 🐾✨
Uploaded health tests

Dilute Retriever
About Blue Belle
Meet Blue Belle 💙 Blue Belle is our beautiful silver momma, weighing in at 70–75 pounds. She has an endless love for retrieving and can swim for hours without missing a beat. She enjoys car rides, being outdoors, and, of course, snuggling up when it’s time to relax. Blue is incredibly aware of her surroundings, always keeping a watchful eye—making her both loving and naturally protective. Named after Nicole’s love for the St. Louis Blues hockey team, Blue Belle is AKC & CKC registered and as loyal as she is athletic. She’s the perfect balance of strength, sweetness, and devotion. 🐾✨
Uploaded health tests

Labrador Retriever
About Hattie
Meet Hattie 🤍 Hattie—short for “Hat Trick,” since she’s our third female Lab—is as smart as she is loving… which may get her into a little trouble from time to time 😄 She’s incredibly personable and laid back, always ready for cuddles or a good snuggle session. Hattie does have a bit of a toy hoarding habit, but it just adds to her charm. She loves exploring, playing in the water, and—most of all—finding the nearest mud puddle (which she somehow always manages to do). Keeping her beautiful, pure white coat clean can be a challenge, but we wouldn’t have it any other way. Hattie is equal parts sweetness, mischief, and adventure. 🐾✨
Uploaded health tests

Labrador Retriever
About Maverick
Meet Maverick 💙 AKA “Mav Money,” Maverick is the ultimate mama’s boy and a big baby at heart. Don’t let his size fool you—he fully believes he’s a lap dog and will happily plop all 90 lbs of himself right on you for snuggles. With his big, blocky build and thick curved tail, Mav has a strong presence, but his personality is all mellow, calm, and loving. He’s the kind of dog who just wants to be close, soaking up all the affection he can get. Gentle, loyal, and irresistibly cuddly, Maverick is truly one of a kind. 🐾✨
Uploaded health tests

Labrador Retriever
About Mo
Meet Mo 💛 Named after Molina—and the little “mohawk” on the bridge of her nose—Mo is the baby of the family and the undeniable life of the party. She’s incredibly loving and sweet, with just a hint of stinky butt to keep things interesting 😄 Mo is smart, well-behaved, and fiercely loyal. She has a way of sitting or laying like a proper lady, always with her paws perfectly crossed, and she knows exactly how to work the camera—she’s as photogenic as they come. With her striking golden eyes and thick dark grey coat, she’s not just beautiful… she’s unforgettable. 🐾✨
Uploaded health tests

Dilute Retriever
About Winter
Winter Mae was born and raised in our home and our first “breeding failure” lol. She has a beautiful, super velvet soft ears and a soft coat with angel wing on her sides. She is the sweetest and most loving dog which makes her the perfect Momma Dog to her puppies.
Uploaded health tests

Dilute Retriever

Labrador Retriever
Summer Lovin’ Labradors of Southern Illinois 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 Dilute Retrievers.
Full Embark Panel
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).
Hear what other owners say about working with Nicole to bring home their puppies.

gennlie p.
Verified owner · Feb. 2026









Nicole was one of the best dog breeders I have encountered when searching for the perfect puppy. I found her through good dog and I immediately knew I would be picking from her litter. She was responsive and thorough when providing details about all of her puppies. I was specifically looking for a silver lab for my boyfriend when I found her page but was so impressed and would have been happy with any dog from her litter. We drove all the way from a Chicago to pick up Smokey and he is perfect. We couldn’t thank Nicole enough for everything she did to make pick me up day perfect!!!!
Steven K.
Verified owner · Jan. 2026
What an awesome experience with Nicole and my new pup Shadow. She provided remarkable care and communication as Shadow grew through his first 8 weeks. Shadow got necessary vaccinations and chip and was ready to go. He has a great disposition and personality. I have no doubt this is attributed to the love and care Nicole provided early on. In the last month, he has quickly become an important part of our family. Thank you Nicole.

Sarah P.
Verified owner · Dec. 2025
Things went so smoothly with Nicole, right from the beginning! She answered all my questions and was very responsive. She kept us up to date on our little guy almost every week before we picked him up! I can tell that she’s passionate about her dogs and providing the best environment/experience for them.
danelle a.
Verified owner · Jan. 2026









Nicole was great to work with being several hours away, we were a little nervous with all the scams now days! But Nicole was the best and she sold us the most beautiful girl we look forward to doing business with her again soon!

Sarah W.
Verified owner · Jan. 2026






Nicole was wonderful to work with. I was unable to drive to see the puppies prior to pick up. Nicole and I had many conversations about what “look” I liked best. Nicole helped pick out the puppies that seemed to had that look. Nicole was very easy to talk with, and ask questions (and I asked a lot). Pick up was a breeze and she set us up better than I could have ever imagined for the first week of having our little guy. Nicole and her son were able to give us so much information. They were kind, and very easy to talk to. She really does breed very beautiful and healthy puppies. When we went for our 48 hr vet puppy vet check, our veterinarian said he was perfect, and could tell they were taken care of very well.

Dennis D.
Verified owner · July 2024






Great experience went out of her way to arrange pickup on Father’s Day.
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.
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.