German Shepard Puppy

Question
Our family will be getting an 8 week old German Shepard puppy in a few months.  My concern is what to do with the puppy while we are at work.  The puppy would be alone for about 7 hours (8 a.m. until 3 p.m.).  We are planning to use a crate, but I am concerned this is too long for a puppy that age to be left alone.  We thought about using a doggy daycare until the pup is about 12 weeks old, but we also understand this is not a good idea because of exposure to other dogs at this age and illnesses.  Unfortunately, I cannot come home at noon to check on the dog either because of where my job is located.  Any advice you can give me would be appreciated!  

Answer
I hate to see a puppy left more than 4-5 hours.  Doggy day care wouldn't be a good idea so young.  Can you find a neighbor or professional dog walker to give it a mid day break?  They still need a third meal until 3 months old.  

Perhaps you should look into adopting an older dog.  You will have no trouble finding one.  One of the best sources for dogs with a predictable personality is the rescue dogs.  These are dogs that lost their home, but were taken into a foster home to be retrained as necessary and placed in the right home for them.  You may find a rescue near you starting at http://www.akc.org/breeds/rescue.cfm  The rescues charge a fee to help cover their expenses, but is much less than the price of a puppy plus all its medical expenses the first year.