diff --git a/MooBreeder.java b/MooBreeder.java
index 5032c81..a5407f0 100755
--- a/MooBreeder.java
+++ b/MooBreeder.java
@@ -92,10 +92,12 @@
 				int loadConfirm = fileChooser.showOpenDialog(null);
 				if (loadConfirm == JFileChooser.APPROVE_OPTION) {
 					File loadFile = fileChooser.getSelectedFile();
+					if (!loadFile.exists() && !loadFile.getName().endsWith(".dat"))
+						loadFile = new File(loadFile.getAbsolutePath()+".dat");
 					int userConfirm = JOptionPane.showConfirmDialog(null, "Load herd from "+loadFile.getName()+"?",
 																	"Confirm", JOptionPane.OK_CANCEL_OPTION,
 																	JOptionPane.QUESTION_MESSAGE);
-					if (userConfirm == JOptionPane.OK_OPTION) {
+					if (userConfirm == JOptionPane.OK_OPTION && loadFile.exists()) {
 						Herd.loadHerd(loadFile.getAbsolutePath());
 						updateGUI();
 					}