Pregnant Foster Dog Treated to Sweet Maternity Shoot — Complete with ‘Lots of Belly Rubs’

Ima is “due any day,” so before the dog went from single mutt to busy mother, her foster mom wanted to treat her to something special.

“I love taking adorable photos of my fosters to show them off on Instagram, it is such a great way to show off your fosters and find homes!” Sarah Freeman, Ima’s foster mom, told PEOPLE over email. “I thought it would be a great way to spend the afternoon.”

Freeman was right. Even though Ima is “huge” and can’t do much playing right now, she loved having an afternoon devoted to her happiness.
Between shots the sweet soon-to-be-mom gladly accepted “lots of belly rubs” and gave lots of kisses in return.
Ima ended up pregnant and under Freeman’s care after her former owner deserted her.
“She was abandoned by her owner and left in her crate for five days; unfortunately three of the owner’s other dogs got run over. A neighbor took Ima in, but Ima got over the 6-ft. fence. She was gone for a month and came back pregnant,” Freeman explained. “The neighbor knew she couldn’t afford to take care of Ima and her puppies properly so she surrendered Ima to Paws of Piedmont. Ima was then brought to the Greater Charlotte SPCA.”
The foster coordinator at North Carolina’s Greater Charlotte SPCA knew Freeman had a soft spot for fostering puppies and reached out to her about Ima.

“I jumped at the chance to help her!” Freeman said.
With the photo shoot complete, the focus is now on preparing for Ima’s pups. Roughly six weeks after Ima’s babies are born, she and her puppies will be available for adoption. Ima will be spayed before going to her forever home.

“She loves any affection you give her and does well with my dog and other fosters,” Freeman shared. “I think she will do great in any home!”