I voted to let Shortie go spread joy and happiness (and find some) with another person. It will be hard to do, but it sounds like a win-win situation. If you are making plans to move back to CT, you'll miss her but you'll be happy knowing that she is in an wonderful home.

Have you ever listened to Suze Orman? She's that lady that talks to you about finances, etc.? Anyway, her moto is "People first, then money, then things." Well, I always count pets as "People". You have to put yourself first. It sounds like all the signs are telling you that CT is the place for you.