Commas

Is there any need for commas in these two sentences? Or are they optional?

I know that there is usually one before the "and", but I thought since they are both so closely connected to the "in the end" that I could leave it out.

"In the end, my wife went to the pub without me and she took my dog."

and...

"These conflicting thoughts and the helplessness I felt began to consume me."

Any help would be appreciated.