Two and a half years ago I was engaged and got a 7-week-old Golden Retriever puppy with my fiance. I saw pictures of him the day he was born and was sent weekly pictures of him growing until I could bring him home. I named him Butters because his coat is light yellow (just like the color of butter lol).

About a year after getting him, my fiance called off our wedding and decided he wanted to leave. I had to quickly find an affordable place to live. Two good friends told me I could live with them. This was financially within my budget and nice to have the support at the time. The only thing was that my dog wasn’t exactly welcome because they felt our apartment was too small for a dog and Butters would disturb their two cats.

I brought Butters to live with my mom temporarily until I could get back up on my feet. She also lives almost 4 hours away from me. I hadn’t heard from her in awhile and learned that she had drug charges filed against her (bad charges, like her house was being used for drug trafficking). I didn’t know about this because I don’t see her often and we’re not particularly close. Well, it’s likely that she’ll be sentenced and face jail time.

I talked to multiple friends and family about Butters and there was a family friend who was open to (and even excited) to possibly take him in. She also lives 4 hours away from me near my hometown. The only thing is that she’s interested in adopting and not fostering him because she said she gets emotionally attached to her animals.

I feel incredibly sad at the thought of re-homing Butters. I cried about it all morning. But I’ve hit a massive road block and don’t know what to do.

1) I’m stuck in a lease with two roommates who don’t want a dog in the apartment. My lease is for another 6 months.
2) I do not feel comfortable with Butters living at my mom’s house any longer. I think he could be getting care in a better environment. She’s likely going to prison in the next several weeks too.
3) My family friend has a good job and could afford to give Butters the best care. She also lives on a small farm with horses and another dog. She loves animals and Butters would have land to run free around (unlike my tiny city apartment anyways).
4) As much as I don’t want to admit it, on my single income it would be challenging to afford unexpected vet bills right now. He deserves the best care.
5) Our family friend is genuinely excited about the possibility of having him because she currently lives alone and her children are grown and have moved out.

How do I deal with this transition? I feel a tremendous loss losing Butters, but feel this may be best for him. He deserves a safe, stable, loving, permanent home. I’m just incredibly sad right now.