Quote Originally Posted by applesmom
That's not what I said. The dogs in the foster home shouldn't be allowed near the weakened puppy.

Returning the pup to the litter, if it should survive, should be done by re-introducing it to the mother first and away from the puppies. If the mother won't accept it then the pup would have to remain isolated from the litter.

There's also the possibility that the pup as it gets older would be unable to be returned to the litter, even if the mother accepts it. Since the owners both work, there wouldn't be constant supervision and the other puppies could get too rough with it. That would depend on the age of course.

If the pup shows signs of thriving in the next few day's it would be best to try to return her to the mom and the litter before the eyes and ears open. That would give her a far better shot at a normal puppyhood!
WRONG- if you return this pup to the mother- the mother will not recognize the pup as hers, in protection of her own- possibly get aggressive.
The best way to do this is to wait until until the pup is weaned, the others are weaned- then add- IF AND ONLY IF there is no sign of disease from the returned pup into the the litter..