This breeder apparently does not utilize any sort of heartworm preventative for his dogs. In his response to my direct inquiry he stated that heartworm preventative was not necessary in his area. I purchased a female yellow 6 year old lab from this breeder with the understanding that she was a healthy well maintained yellow lab. Imagine my despair when only 5 days of being her new owner, I was informed by the vet that she had a severe case of heartworm and not sure how long she has been infested. Now imagine calling this breeder to inform him about the heartworms only to have him callously reply that if I returned her to him he would not provide her with the needed medical care and would let her live out the rest of her life infested with heartworm disease. In my opinion, this was the most uncaring and irresponsible response one could possibly have imagined. Would I ever purchase another animal from a breeder of such questionable character? Could anyone?