Fostering puppies and their mother is a lot of work. I fostered 5 puppies from when they were 4-and-a-half weeks until they were ready for adoption at 10-and-a-half weeks. During this time, I helped the pups transition to solid food. This photo shows the beginning of the weaning period as one of the puppies looks to her Mama, hoping to breastfeed. But a tired Mama just won't oblige.