Usher Raymond bought an expensive pet while in NYC Thursday evening, but it was all for a good cause (October 25, 2012).

Just last year, Ursh attempted to win a puppy during the 2011 Pencils of Promise benefit auction event, but he says he gave it up to a Cancer survivor who was bidding as well. In return for his generosity, she named her pooch “Usher”.

At this year?s event, Usher decided to go hard in the paint and was determined to bring a cute puppy home.

Usher reportedly offered an initial bid of $10,000 but was forced upward after being outbid. He finally upped the ante and ditched out $12,000 smakaroos for the cute copper-colored pup he immediately named “Poppy.”

Raymond shared his enthusiasm with his boo, Grace Miguel, who was seated by his side.

The happy couple presented the $12,000 pooch to Miguel’s teen daughter, who posted photos of her new family pet.

Details + more photos below…

Awwww…. how cute! 🙂

I think it’s great that Usher’s so close with his new extended family and as a longtime dog owner myself, I’m fully aware that puppies can be the key to helping young adults become more responsible.

[READ: Usher & ‘Step-Daughter’ Spend Quality Time + “They Say” Grace Miguel Neglects Parental Duties]

On a related note, Usher performed in Philadelphia last night (October 26, 2012) for the Powerhouse 2012 concert and he spoke of his purchase during an interview after the show.

As you know, he and his ex-wife Tameka Raymond returned to court arguing their custody arrangements just two days ago, and one of the key factors in Tameka Raymond’s request for a new trial was that Usher refused to reveal his schedule.

[READ: Usher & Ex-Wife Tameka Raymond Return to Court (PHOTOS)]

I also recall there being some concern about Usher moving the children out of state during his stint as a judge on NBC’s The Voice (which is taped in LA).

[READ: They Say: Usher’s Ego Way Too Big For “The Voice”]

Amazingly Raymond admits in the interview that he’s NOT a primary resident of the Peach state.? In fact, he says he lives in Atlanta, New York, and LA as well….

I don’t know if I’m going to keep it in New York or Atlanta. I’m more L.A. nowadays since I’m a coach on the voice.

I’m kinda moving around… not just up. I’m moving around.

Fast forward to about 2:44:

VIDEO: Usher Powerhouse 2012 Interview

I have no words… it’s not like we didn’t already know the deal about his living situation.? I guess now he’s just willing to confirm it.

Looks like Tameka (or her two young sons) are about to be some frequent flyers…

Thoughts?

FULL PHOTO GALLERY