I’ve been married to Tom for three years. Before we got married, I already had my two dogs, Max and Bella. They’re like my children, and Tom knows this.

A month ago, I had a two-week work trip. Tom assured me he’d take care of Max and Bella. The day I left, I hugged my dogs and told them to be good for Tom. He smiled and said they’d be fine.

Once I settled in my hotel, my mom texted, asking if everything was okay with Max and Bella. Confused, I asked what she meant. She sent a picture of them tied up outside, looking sad. I called Tom, who claimed they needed fresh air and would bring them in soon.

The next day, Tom sent a picture of the dogs inside, but my mom later reported the house was messy. I kept checking in with Tom, but he sounded annoyed. Near the end of my trip, my mom visited again and found the dogs tied up outside. I asked her to take Max and Bella to her house.

I cut my trip short and confronted Tom. He said I overreacted and complained I put the dogs before him. Realizing he didn’t respect my love for them, I decided to leave. I packed a bag and went to my mom’s house.

The next day, I called a lawyer. When I returned home, I told Tom I was filing for divorce and he needed to move out. He left quietly. Now, with Max and Bella by my side, I knew I made the right choice.