Not really the case here, but still going along with the topic....
I think in general, I have a hard time understanding one of the reasons often given. "The mother wouldn't have anything to do with the pup anymore." Isn't this often the case when the female weans the pups?
Isn't that when the breeder should step in and make sure the pups are thriving, getting care, attention and progressing as they should be until they are old enough to be placed? Thoughts?