Well, there is an Ella puppy in this crew. Can you pick it out?
The puppies, as I am typing, are all sleeping together in a pack. This is interesting as that is not how they started when we merged the 3 crew. They slept separate. Sure there was one from the start that slept with whomever was closest but all and all they slept gathered in the safety of their siblings that first day.
That has all changed. They have created relationships. They feel comfort in each other and they have learned trust and respect. Everything we do is for a reason. It all unfolds.
Just before we were about to merge them upstairs, we thought this will not work at this stage. Cinnamon's had size on their side and didn't understand soft play, not laying on top so the little one won't feel crushed. Then the next day it was as if a light switch went off in all and we decided yes, they are ready to go upstairs all together. A 24 hour window can change everything. For each litter, it is unique.
We have also learned that 10 days apart is the maximum window to merge.
There is a bonus when you have 2 or 3 litters together. Yes, moms can help out like they did with Saffron's pups when she had her c-section. But beyond that, they learn early on how to interact with non siblings. They learn to create relationships. To me, you can't get better than that!