2 Female Dogs Mating

Question
I have two female dogs - one I've had since she was 8mos (lab/pit bull mix spayed at 1.5 years old) and is currently 3 years old and another we took in a month ago (black lab mix, not spayed)who is 1 year old. The 1 year old just went into heat and is treating our older female like a male - whining, licking her stomach where a male organ would be, and then licking her "girl part", pawing at her, nuzzling, turning her rear in a gesture to allow our older female to mount her...Our older female was nonresponsive at first but now has been licking her back and has mounted her several times. Is this normal behavior between two females?  We have had to crate the younger dog to keep this from continuing.

Answer
With a female in heat, you have to accept almost anything as normal.  More than anything else, as she progresses, you need to be concerned about frantic attempts to get loose and go find a male.  Expect equally strenuous efforts on the part of the males for miles around to get to her.  If she does accidentally get bred, besides an unwanted litter, there is the chance of infection or injury.  Once loose, she could get killed on the road.  By the time she is finished, you will have a better appreciation for your wisdom in getting the other one spayed.  Likely you would have saved yourself all the hassle with this one if you had a little more time.