I am desperately asking for help. I am a full-time master’s student at the University of Washington, and after 13 years of marriage, my husband is divorcing me. His lawyer has sent me papers requiring that I vacate our home by December 1st of this year. I have nowhere to go.

I share my life with three beloved Newfoundland dogs and a cat. They are my family, my comfort, and the only reason I have been able to keep moving forward during this difficult time. Sadly, my husband has also abused them over the years, and protecting them has been one of my deepest concerns. Losing them is not an option for me, yet most affordable housing options will not allow me to keep large dogs.

From the beginning of our marriage, my husband broke his promises. He vowed that I would be able to stay home in a traditional marriage, but within the first week he began emotionally abusing me and withdrawing that promise. Over the years, the abuse became emotional, psychological, mental, and eventually financial. Despite this, I fought to keep the marriage together, believing it was worth saving. I later returned to school to build a career and support my family financially. With his agreement, I pursued a master’s degree, which I am still completing, with just one year left.

Now, in addition to the abuse and divorce legal proceedings, I am being forced out of my home. I am applying to jobs constantly, but so far, I have not received an offer. I am pleading for help so that I can keep my dogs and my cat safe with me, find stable housing, and finish my education.

Please, I am honestly begging—any help or support would mean the world to me.