How to adopt a Kerstone puppy.

1 - Do research on what is involved in raising a puppy. It takes a lot of time, patience, and money.
This puppy will be a commitment & part of the family for up to 15 years.

• House training
• Crate training
• Puppy Kindergarten Classes
• Obedience training
• Veterinary visits, vaccinations, wormings, heartworm prevention, flea & tick prevention
• Puppy food, toys, supplies

2 - Do research on White Shepherds & German Shepherds specifically.
Know what you are getting into. Is this the right breed for you?

• Highly intelligent and require firm & consistant obedience training
• Loyal and dedicated to their family
• Typically need lots of socializing as teenagers & puppies to avoid behavior problems as adults.
• Beautiful dogs to look at and a joy to live with
• LOTS of shedding, be prepared for lots of sweeping & vacuuming & fur on clothing
• Great with kids & other animals when raised with them and/or trained properly
• Some can be exhuberant and a handful to train
• Some have lots of energy and need daily exercise and/or a "job" to do daily.
• Shepherds have some common health problems - choose a GOOD breeder. Visit www.wsgenetics.org to learn more about specific health problems.
• Shepherds are VERY versatile dogs! Click here to see some of the activities you can do with them!

3 - Read the "About Me" page. And tour our kennel & property if you'd like.

4 - Read the "Puppy Information" page.

5 - Read my "Contract & Guarantee". All puppy buyers are required to agree to these conditions.

6 - Read my "References & Testimonials".

7 - Read my "Prices & Rebates" page.

8 - Email me and tell me about yourself, your family, your home & living situation, why you have decided to get a puppy now, and your previous experience with Shepherds (if any). Tip: Please be aware of your spelling, punctuation, and grammar.

• I will email you back with my "Puppy Buyer Questionnaire" for you to fill out for more specific information.
• We may spend several days emailing and/or calling back and forth.
• I want to be sure that my pups go to caring and capable homes, and won't end up in a "dog pound" after the family grows tired of the dog. Dogs are a LIFE-LONG commitment.

ONLY IF YOU ARE APPROVED WILL YOU CONTINUE TO THE NEXT STEP!!

9 - After being approved, you will need to send a $200 non-refundable deposit to hold your puppy. Without a deposit, I cannot guarantee you a pup. They are often ALL reserved before they are 8 weeks old, sometimes even before they are born.

• I will accept only cash, or a money order or Western Union made out to "Alicia Lips".
• When you make your reservation, please specify whether you are wanting a male or female, and show quality or pet quality. Please note that "pet quality" may or may not be available. Click here if you want to know the differences of "pet" quality versus "show" quality.

10 - Full payment will need to be recieved before shipping or picking up the puppy at 8-weeks-old.

• Once again, only cash, or a money order or Western Union made out to "Alicia Lips".
• Prices will be assigned to each pup at 6-7 weeks old after being temperament tested and evaluated.

11 - Additional costs to be payed before the pup is 8-weeks-old.

• If the pup is being shipped, you must pre-pay. Shipping is typically at least $250 for an 8-week-old pup.
• If the pup is being shipped, or if you would like to buy a puppy crate from me - it will be an additional $30.
  If you already have a crate and would like the pup to be shipped in it, please send the crate to me ahead of time.
• If the pup is being shipped, you need a health certificate from a veterinarian. This is typically around $25 from my vet.
• All pups are tattooed and microchipped for permanent identification and registered with AKC Companion Animal Recovery.
  I now require new owners to choose this option on the AKC registration application.

12 - When the pups are 6 or 7 weeks old, they are temperament tested and evaluated. Temperament test scores, a description of each pup, and individual pictures & prices will be posted on my website. I will then discuss each pup with you, and help you choose which pup will best fit into your home & family.

• At this time I will give you the total price of what is due before I will ship your pup or before you can pick it up.

13 - If your pup is being shipped, we will work out arrangements of "when & where".

• Pups will only be shipped once a week (Friday or Saturday) from the airport in Salina, KS.
• I will let you know the flight information.
• Take a bowl, fresh water, a collar, and a leash when you pick up your pup at the airport.
• Towels, and/or paper towels may also be helpful in case the pup has gotten sick, or may get sick in the car ride home.
• Please call me from the airport, to let me know the pup has arrived safely, and on time.

14 - Your pup will come with a packet of information.
This packet will include 2 copies of my Contract & Guarantees. Sign both and send ONE copy back to me.

• You will NOT recieve any of your pup's registration papers until I recieve a signed copy of the contract.
• If your pup is sold as a "pet" on limited AKC registration, you will not recieve the registration papers until I have proof that the dog has been spayed or neutered.

15 - Take your pup to the vet for a check up within 72 hours of arrival to qualify for Guarantee #2.

16 - Choose a registered name for your puppy. It must begin with "Kerstone" or "Kerstone's" and follow any other regulations I may give for that litter. However, it does NOT have to relate to the pup's "call name". A name example (already taken): Kerstone's Heart of Africa. Call name "Kenya".

17 - Please keep in touch.

• I am always available to help with any problems or questions you may have for the ENTIRE life of the dog.
• I am ALWAYS willing to take the dog back if you are not able to keep it.
• I love to hear stories about my puppies, and see pictures as they grow and mature!!

Click here to go to the PUPPY page!

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