If you’re looking for a specimen so fine that the only appropriate way to describe her is “devastating,” then Samara is not your girl. Her overweight body appears inflated, like beneath her skin it’s just all pudding and helium. You wouldn’t be shocked if you saw her slowly lose her footing and float a few inches off the ground. She’s also missing a bunch of fur on her back. Her very visible skin is smooth, gray, healthy, punctuated with patches of bristly dog hair. This 5-year-old heeler’s blood work and skin scrapes look good though, so we think it might be lasting damage from old flea dermatitis or other skin infections. Here’s the important part: What she lacks in aesthetic perfection, Samara makes up for in literally every other way. She’s super affectionate, smart, potty trained, quiet, good with other dogs, fine with cats, polite, and great on a leash. Doesn’t seem to mind being left alone. She’s got a small frame but is 45 lbs — needs to gently lose 15 lbs or so. She’d do best in a quiet neighborhood with a medium active lifestyle and humans who can help her continue her weight loss journey. Her foster mom says: “Samara aka Sami is a joy! A new best friend. She follows me everywhere but is also content to be left home for naps and happily greets me at the door upon return. She loves to go on walks and hikes. She can be distracted by squirrels but can be redirected with treats. She loves playtime and then will love to curl up next to you for Netflix or a book. A bit shy when meeting new people but a few belly rubs and treats and she has new friends. She just had a great weekend with a 8-month-old puppy playing,romping, kisses, and then naps. She’s a heeler and tends to try to herd you out the door with her mouth sometimes, but it’s never a bite and responds when asked to sit and wait for the leash. We are working on that so grownups only or older children would be best.” Interested in adopting? Submit an application at socialteesnyc.org or email your point person if you’ve already been approved! #heeler #heelergram #cattledog #cattledogsofinstagram #smile #dog #dogsofinstagram