They do establish that, actually, I just didn't include it. :-D

I think where Ms. McCaffrey faltered was by not saying something about the placement of the travellers on the list. She makes it sound like the Travellers don't understand the process or are far down the priority list. Where if, instead, it was noted that they would be the first to receive the new puppies once born, then it'd read differently.

I haven't read either, but I'm looking forward to them. It'll be interesting to see how their lifestyle accommodates Thread.