After the interviews are over, give the new family a day or two to decide if they really want to adopt your dog. Make sure they have a chance to think over the commitment they're making. While they're deciding, get a package ready to send along with your dog. This package should include:

• Your dog's medical records and the name, address & phone number of your vet
• Your name, address & phone (new address if you're moving)
• Your dog's toys and belongings (dog bed, blanket, etc.), a supply of dog food & special treats he loves
• An instruction sheet on feeding, special needs, etc.; some reading material about the German Shepherd breed
• Collar and leash; ID and rabies tags
• If your dog is not neutered/spayed, do not release the AKC papers until proof of surgery has been supplied

Set aside a special time for you and your dog to take a last walk together and say good-bye. We know you'll cry. Do it now, in private, so you're clear headed when he has to leave. He may be confused about being left with strangers and you won't want your emotions to upset him even more.

There are some things you need to explain to the new family before they take your dog home: The dog will go through an adjustment period as he gets to know his new people, learns new rules and mourns the loss of his old family. Most dogs adjust within a few days, but others may take longer. During this time, they should avoid forcing the dog to do anything stressful - taking a bath, obedience training classes, meeting too many strangers at once, etc. - until he's had a chance to settle in. Tell them take things easy at first and give the dog time to bond to them. The dog might not eat for the first day or two. Not to worry - he'll eat when he's ready. Some dogs temporarily forget their training. A well-housebroken dog may have an accident during the first day in his new home. This isn't unusual and rarely happens more than once.