Final answer:
The slope of 0.25 in the equation represents an increase of 0.25 pounds in the puppy's weight for each month after birth. Therefore, the correct answer is option D) For every month after the puppy is born, the weight increases by 0.25 pounds.
Step-by-step explanation:
The slope represents the rate of change in the dependent variable (the puppy's weight) for each unit of change in the independent variable (the number of months since the puppy was born). In the breeder's equation w = 0.25m + 8.3, the slope is 0.25. Therefore, the correct interpretation of the slope is that for every month after the puppy is born, the weight increases by 0.25 pounds. The initial value of the equation, 8.3, indicates the puppy's weight at birth.