Dear dreaming715,

I understand how hard this is for you. When we adopt an animal it becomes like part of ourselves. Some people don’t understand this but I always felt so attached to animals I had and sadder to lose them than I would have felt about some humans I know, just because they are always there with you and you are responsible for them, this creates a very strong attachment.

In what you told I see you went through some difficult things recently, a break-up and a move and also your mom’s issues, even though you’re not close to her, this is probably affecting you in some way. I believe that giving up on Butters might hold more meaning to you than “just” losing your beloved dog (as painful as that is in itself). Because you adopted him with your ex in a time when you were happy together. From your story it seems that you are a very strong person who managed to get back on her feet quickly and fix the immediate problems arising from this new situation, you had to be tough and strong, and maybe Butter is kind of a soft spot for you which makes it that much harder to let go of him. Maybe it is hard to give him up because by doing that you are somehow re-living the breakup in a way?

I believe you already know it will be best for him to go live with your friend, it sounds like she can offer him a great life. I think you should focus on what’s best for him (as I know you are), and remember you are not abandoning him in some animal shelter, you are doing the best thing you can do for him. And I’m sure you’ll be able to see him any time you want and get news of him whenever you miss him.

You are such an awesome person for making this choice for your dog and I’m sure in time you’ll adopt another dog and make him happy too.