well, let's get graffic as possible...yea h it does look a little bit swollen. but i don't know if that is just from maturing or if it's actually swollen. i am going by my experience in humans and yeah it does kinda look like it could be about her time. maybe that's why she is soo atached to her blankie. but, no blood. and i "heard" that big dogs bleed blg blood. but then i heard that it could just be a couple of droplets. i read about heat in books and online but they don't really go into MUCH detail. i don't care if she is "starting" or not, I just want to make sure she is okay. physically, mentally and emotionally. i know i get emotional as all heck, do dogs? can dogs get cramps? if what i go through happens to her, i don't want her to go through them at all. (we keep dragging our feet on making the appointment only because we are affraid to put her under, ya know?)