I’ve been married to Tom for three years. Before we got married, I had two dogs, Max and Bella, who are like my children. Tom knew this. Last month, I had a two-week work trip. Tom assured me he’d take care of the dogs. The day I left, I gave Max and Bella big hugs, and Tom seemed confident.

Soon after arriving at my hotel, my mom texted me, asking if everything was okay with Max and Bella. Confused, I replied, “What do you mean?” She sent a picture of them tied up outside, looking sad. I immediately called Tom. “Why are Max and Bella tied up outside?” I asked, trying to stay calm. He casually replied, “They needed some fresh air.”

I asked him to bring them inside immediately. The next day, I asked Tom to send a picture of the dogs inside. He did, but I still felt uneasy. My mom visited again and reported the house was messy, with the dogs tied up again. Furious, I asked her to take them to her place.

I cut my trip short and rushed home. Tom was surprised to see me. When I asked about the dogs, he said they were outside. I confronted him about his neglect, but he dismissed my concerns, accusing me of prioritizing the dogs over him.

That night, I packed a bag and went to my mom’s house. The next day, I called a lawyer. When I told Tom I was filing for divorce and he needed to leave, he looked stunned but didn’t argue.

With Tom gone, the house was quiet. Max and Bella were happy, and I knew I had made the right choice. They are my family, and anyone who can’t accept that doesn’t belong in my life.