Stray begal, is she pregnant

Question
My mother recently had a stray female beagle show up at her house, she has been there a few days now, and is hanging out with my moms unfixed male beagle mix. While visiting my mother today I noticed the strays vulva was swollen and her nipples are slightly swollen, I know this can be signs of being in heat, but the male dog isn't interested at all. So our concern is could she be pregnant all ready and possibly due soon. My mom doesn't have the money to take her to the vet, and we can not find her owner, my mother has decided to let the dog stay if she wants, instead of sending her to the pound. But we need to know if we are going to be expecting pups soon.

Answer
Blessings on your Mom for giving this beagle a home.

It does sound like she is pregnant - probably why she was dropped off. Most dogs can have puppies with no problem, but sometimes there are expensive complications. Your Mom is not alone in being short of money right now. There are many ways you can find money to care for this dog, as well as any health problems your male may have. Some veterinarians, especially integrative ones, will be willing to barter with you. Do this now before she whelps and she is probably due very soon. What skills do you have? Can you clean their parking lot, sidewalk, clinic? Are you a bookkeeper or accountant? Are you great with the internet and able to help them build a web site? Could you get new clients for them? Call the veterinarian of your choice (especially an integrative one), ask to speak with the veterinarian and tell them your financial situation and that you would like to build up credit for future problems. Ask if they will take payment plans and think what you could offer as collateral. Ask if the clinic has its own fund to help RESCUED ANIMALS. Call multiple veterinarians, especially integrative clinics.  Also, many cities have humane societies and other groups that can help with medical bills, rabies vaccines, spay and neuters (because she needs to be spayed when the pups are 8 weeks old). Also, the shelter/rescue group may be willing to examine her for free to say if she is in heat or pregnant (since their commitment is no more puppies). You can also save significant money by following the following holistic approaches - do not vaccinate and find local sources of free food ingredients. This will take some time and research, then will be easy and inexpensive.

Purchase a bottle of rescue remedy at a health food store or sometimes regular drug stores have it. Put 4 drops in about an ounce of water and give it her (or you) if she is in any distress when whelping (or for the pups).

Purchase a bottle of Arnica 30c homeopathic remedy. Crush a pellet or two and put on her gums if she seems in a lot of pain - great for any injuries or pain.

Even though this is for cocker spaniels, I think it is a very great coaching guide - http://www.zimfamilycockers.com/whelping.html

do a google on "whelping puppies" to learn a lot more about what to expect.
http://www.b-naturals.com/newsletter/as-natural-as-possible-puppy-whelping-and-r has some information and a later blog should have even more (this one was more about getting pregnant).

www.aunaturelK9s.com is a great holistic site and there are people who will help.

Also look for rescue groups in your area (for any breed). that person may be willing to help you know how close to delivery she is and help find homes.

And, once you have been to someone