Coworkers call me an animal hoarder

[Irish Eyes (Mrs.Z)]

Definitely a hostile work environment, and employers don't want to be sued for it. So mention it to the higher-ups of the people who are harassing you, and I'll bet it stops immediately. My husband dealt with that from a coworker for awhile, and in the end, threatening to sue because no other action had been effective not only stopped the behavior immediately, but the coworker was also demoted.

As for the hoarder thing, I hear it all the time. It bothers me, especially since we have both the financial and time resources to properly care for every animal we own. I no longer talk about my pets to others, nor do I give them the actual numbers of pets I own. From what I can tell, the general public thinks that if you have more than one dog and one cat, or if you own ANY bird or reptile, there's something wrong with you. I gotta tell ya that it gets real hard to keep from saying rude words to people who direct that kind of b.s. at me.

 

[Hypancistrus]

I think the problem is that non-reptile people don't realise how simple it is (once you have the correct setup) to care for Corns and how minimal their needs are in terms of husbandry and human contact.

I agree. Most people just don't understand how easy snakes are.

My own mother once compared me to that hoarder show. I didn't speak to her for several weeks because I found it so insulting. The best thing for me is to have people come over and tell me they are "suprised" that my house doesn't smell.

Why would it smell?? I don't have more animals than I can care for properly. I feed, clean and water everyone as required. Well cared for animals, no matter how many there are, do not smell bad.

Agreed... I've watched those shows on a few occasions and they seem to have a HSUS or PETA feel in the way that they try and demonize all exotic animal owners, making us all seem like outsiders and obsessed freaks.
Then when people that don't understand the difference between keeping harmless reptiles and keeping lions, they get themselves all worked up making unfair, and in the case of the OP, VERY unprofessional comments.

I agree with what others have said. You need to take steps to get your co-workers to stop. It's not fair that you are being bullied for having a hobby that involves helping living creatures.

*jaw drops* Trevor? Is it REALLY you?!??!? :cheers:

 

[ShenziSixaxis]

Katie, they are creating a hostile work envirnment, and it needs to stop now. Talk to anyone who will listen, and keep records of what is said.

And thank you Animal Planet for fostering fear and ignorance by taking away Meerkat Manor, Escape to Chimp Eden and Orangutan Island and replacing them with Confessions Animal Hoarding and Fatal Attractions.....

Don't forget Big Cat Diary. That was the best one.

 

[dan803]

They should just rename the Animal Planet channel PETA Planet. That's all it is now. My family gets so annoying about those shows too. On the snake episode of that Fatal Attractions, they kept saying "oh, that's going to be you!" Same thing with the Animal Hoarders "That's like you!" Other than owning more than one snake it is nothing like me. Ridiculous!

 

[vetusvates]

Regarding the OP, this is why I do not mix worklife with homelife.
It is unfortunately human nature for people to make up things to fill in the gaps of what they do not know about other people. Connect the few dots they do have to make a goofy incorrect picture.

I prefer leaving my coworkers in the dark, except in a few things.
I do not want stupid people (or even non-stupid people) all up in my business.
Just as a result of my being a rather private person, I have had people IRL and people on line....want to get all up in my business and all up in my time. But I am sailing this ship, and I don't need any co-captains, co-pilots, or backseat drivers.
LOLOL. You'd be surprised how many people that this PO's.

 

[Evol_girl]

I get called a hoarder a lot - and I only have 5 cats, 1 dog and a snake... I don't get too defensive because I know that A) I'm NOT a hoarder, by definition. B) All my animals are well taken care of and healthy and C) I am not allowing other areas of my life to fall apart because of my animals. However, I also don't think that the people saying it to me are meaning it to be "mean". I think that the word "hoarder" has turned into a joke based on the animal planet show... I don't know your working situation or coworkers - but to play a little bit of a Devil's Advocate here - you DO have a lot of animals, and I'm guessing they are using the word "Hoarder" because it is so sensationalized by that show and are meaning to tease you, without realizing how insulting that term actually is. Especially to people with a lot more animals than a "regular" person would have...

My suggestion, before creating a lot of friction by reporting anything to superiors or accusing someone of slander, is to try and explain to them that Yes... You have a lot of animals, and you understand they are just teasing you, but that the term "hoarder" is a very negative term which you take offense to, and you would prefer they don't say that anymore, especially in front of customers. They may know they are just teasing you because they know you - but customers do not, and when they hear someone refer to you as a "hoarder" they are going to picture a very negative situation.

Try to kill the negativity with honey instead of fire. Try not to put anyone on the defensive because it will only make the friction you are feeling worse.

If they don't respond to that or it doesn't stop, then yes... I feel you are %100 within your right to talk to your superiors about the negativity.

 

[headly1994]

yea my parents say i'm a hoarder but its never really offended me as i'm very thick skinned
and with them i know their joking i don't know how id react if someone said that to me and they were trying to offend me as i have not come across this situation yet

 

[lefty_mussolini]

*jaw drops* Trevor? Is it REALLY you?!??!? :cheers:

:-offtopic
It really is.
Good to see ya again. :cheers:

 

[Iguanagirl8662]

Thanks so much for the replies, I'm glad to see I'm not the only one who has to deal with this. My animals are healthy, I can't say I'm healthy lol but it isn't caused by my animals and I take myself to the doctor when I need too so my health isn't compromised by my animals and my social life isn't either. I still have time to go out with friends or just spend some time with my bf.

I would be highly upset about this. This is tantamount to SLANDER in my opinion! Maybe the next time they call you a "hoarder" you should ask if they'd like to see your vet bills. Hoarders usually are spread so thin financially that they haven't got $$$ to see to the proper vet care of their animals, especially the spaying and neutering which ends up making more animals, perpetuating the vicious cycle. Am I right in assuming that you don't work in the animal business? If so, the abuse will probably not stop because they just don't get it, nor are they interested in getting it. I WOULD definitely talk to the manager and explain that you believe that they are behaving in a very unprofessional manner and you expect the hurtful comments to stop. I would also start keeping a log of how many times people are saying these things about you. ( Give yourself 2 legs to stand on if this gets REALLY out of hand!)

I wish you the best of luck in this! I truly hope that this can be "nipped in the bud".

Devon

I've got plenty of vet bills they can see, I just had to rush one of my rats to the vet today.

I work at a petstore we all work with animals which is why I talk about my animals because I thought other animal lovers wouldn't be like this. I was wrong.

Katie, they are creating a hostile work envirnment, and it needs to stop now. Talk to anyone who will listen, and keep records of what is said.

And thank you Animal Planet for fostering fear and ignorance by taking away Meerkat Manor, Escape to Chimp Eden and Orangutan Island and replacing them with Confessions Animal Hoarding and Fatal Attractions.....

I was told by my aunt to keep records because I've been having other issues involving being written up for things I didn't do and they couldn't prove so I'll have to start that.

I used to watch Animal Planet all the time now I barely watch it for even a couple hours a month.

Yep, don't take the bullying and report it as a hostle work environment..and next time you find yourself in a new job, just don't say how many pets you have.
Sad lesson we all have learned.

It's sad that we have to hide how many animals we have from people. I love talking to people about my animals.

If I remember correctly I think either you or Lauren worked for this same company for a little while and had issues with them too.

 

[Daenerys]

They should just rename the Animal Planet channel PETA Planet. That's all it is now. My family gets so annoying about those shows too. On the snake episode of that Fatal Attractions, they kept saying "oh, that's going to be you!" Same thing with the Animal Hoarders "That's like you!" Other than owning more than one snake it is nothing like me. Ridiculous!

Every time I mention how many animals I have, the other person says "Have you seen that show on Animal Planet? Oh whats it called again....oh, Fatal Attractions/Animal Hoarding!" (more often Fatal Attractions b/c of the snakes)

 

[Reptilekyle64]

Heh, Majority of my school life when I was young wasnt the best becuse I liked snakes, "kyle has sex with snakes" " Iama run off to an insland and live with reptiles and call it loveland(lastname)" " hey I killed a snake today" or" I enjoyed running over that turtle". Yep It totally completey sucks People are mean nothing will change that. I would love to give you the advice and say dont let it get to you, but the truth is it does in one way or another. After years it changed me to shrug off just about any verbal beat down, made me somewhat mean. But you get the live your life however you want to live it and no one can change that either. We survive and dont ever be afraid to talk about what you enjoy, co workers can suck but everytime I have brought someone into my snake room and was like "hey I breed these and make money what do you do?" Exactly Reptiles are the hands down awsome. And you know what I bet your co workers dont even have the balls to handle snakes, that right there leads to the vicious cycle of making fun of someone . I dont normaly write this much but dont ever be mad at what others think. Live life with your animals and enjoy the silence they offer back at you.
and a side note but more direct the reptile indrustry is diffrent, the animals are somewhat easier to care for and easier to house allowing to have so many, my 50 snakes may be less work then 1 horse.

 

[Lennycorn]

Well Rich had a lot of snakes. Was he a hoarder? Things could have gotten out of control if he wasn't on top of it every day. Can pet hoarder say no to getting another animal?? Seem like they think they are doing the right thing for the animals but are over whelmed and the animals start getting sickly.

Seems like you have every thing under control and your boyfriend (who is another adult looking at it) is OK with it. So I would think there is no issue. But being called a hoarder at work, in front of customers, is not a good work environment. I would talk to the manager ( I know the manager calls you that too) and ask for it to stop. State your reasons then if nothing happens call the district manager. This way you still give the store manager a chance. And they won’t get pissed off and give you less or poor hours to work hours.

On another note. I know times are hard you are working you way through collage.
Which is very admirable. But………… you should think twice before taking on a “rescued ” animals from your summer job.
You have to save yourself first so you can save others.

 

[Hypancistrus]

If I remember correctly I think either you or Lauren worked for this same company for a little while and had issues with them too.

Tara and I have both worked for them. I worked there for three years as a teenager and Tara did a VERY brief stint there when she moved up here, to avoid us losing the house while she sought a job in her field. Thankfully it was a very brief period.

In any case, I am something like Tara... I don't mention my animals much to people other than good friends who have been to my house to hang out. These people usually know enough about me to know that I am not hoarder and can attest to it when others run off at the mouth. Not ALWAYS the case though...

 

[Dreamsnake]

I just have three snakes and am know by my biology class as the "snake girl." Some of them look at me like I'm crazy after admitting that I need more for a breeding line. Some people are interested; others tell stories about the snakes they've killed. Life can be upsetting at times. I've decided not to bring up my snakes anymore to people who haven't expressed an interest in them. Last week I was speaking to one of my in-laws about how nice her stepchildren were to my snakes when they dropped by for a visit. A grown woman overheard me and made a "yuck!" noise. She couldn't stay out of a private conversation and keep her opinions to herself, but had to act like a brat. I don't like dogs very much, but I wont say "yuck!" when someone gets a puppy. Sorry for the rant. We all have these moments.

If I were in your place; I'd speak to the manager about this issue, bring it up during a meeting, and explain that reptiles need very little human contact.

 

[Tavia]

Slightly OT, but I've noticed a trend that the above post made me think of. I've been in Petco three times in the last year and had someone come up to the reptile department and start dissing the snakes, "yuck! Those shouldn't even be allowed!" etc. Which I found rather stupid and ignorant of them, they ARE selling them in a store, ergo some people like them and the stranger standing next to you very likely could be one of them. It's just interesting to me, because at least one of the people to do that owned a Leo and was buying crickets for it. Also I've never heard someone feel the need to express their opinion of another animal like that, not dogs, cats, ferrets, hamsters, etc. The only possible exception I've heard was someone talking about rats at a pet store. So why does the filter for other animals people may not be found of evaporate when it's a snake?

On topic, I hope the OP can get something worked out! I thought maybe you worked in a non-pet related job at first, the fact that you work at a pet store and your fellow employees act like that is appalling! They at least should know enough about animals not to make that comparison, but then any animal related forum is full of examples of what a large percent of idiots work at pet stores, so while disappointing, I guess that shouldn't be surprising.

 

[vetusvates]

In any case, I am something like Tara... I don't mention my animals much to people other than good friends who have been to my house to hang out. These people usually know enough about me to know that I am not hoarder and can attest to it when others run off at the mouth. Not ALWAYS the case though...

Good post, Lauren. It's not that I _hide_ anything.

Sometimes I _do_ think I would like to tell people to shut up, get a life of your own, and mind your own beeswax.
Iguanagirl8662, I guess you see I have little patience with people harassing or judging me OR my friends. I do not like the idea of them focusing on just one facet of your life, which I am sure is very broad and deep and interesting.

I suppose talking about other interests might strike a good balance in an awkward work situation. For instance, asking co-workers what they like to do in their free time, or if they have pets. What are their short term goals or dreams in life.

 

[Jadie.Glitch]

I had over 30 snakes at one time and everything was amazing. People at work called me "The Snake Lady" and joked about animal hoarding, etc, but I definitely did not consider myself an animal hoarder because everyone was taken care of properly and they were all happy/healthy. I shrugged their comments off and ignored them, which I now regret. I really should have asked them to stop when it FIRST came up.

Then my husband lost his job and things turned immediately more sour. The more money tightened the more horrible I felt every single day knowing that I was slowly beginning to wait two weeks to a month between feedings instead of feeding weekly as I usually did. I just kept holding out thinking "work will come soon... it will be fine soon...". At that point, every time my "animal hoarding" was joked about at work it deeply hurt me and then even I considered myself an animal hoarder, because while I loved them all to pieces, we had a negative life-event that was making it impossible to care for everyone.

Finally, we had to adopt out and sell most of our collection just so I could be more sure they'd get proper care. I really regret doing it, but I regret not making the decision sooner even more. Sometimes animal hoarding happens when people make bad decisions over and over (like getting new pets when they know they can't feed the ones they have), but in my situation it wasn't something I chose to have happen to me.

In your situation, it makes me mad that people are being so negative when you so obviously take amazing care of your pets. Your doing nothing wrong and it wouldn't be out of line for you to say something to someone about it. I'm happy to say that we're doing much better now, getting life back on track, and have agreed that we're now in a position to safely begin re-growing our collection. We're setting up a website, have bought a Vision rack and have breeding plans for the future.

It definitely leaves a sour taste in my mouth when people falsely accuse others of animal hoarding when they don't know anything about it. It's a sucky situation for animal lovers everywhere and if I were you, I definitely wouldn't let it go any farther.

 

[Iguanagirl8662]

I had over 30 snakes at one time and everything was amazing. People at work called me "The Snake Lady" and joked about animal hoarding, etc, but I definitely did not consider myself an animal hoarder because everyone was taken care of properly and they were all happy/healthy. I shrugged their comments off and ignored them, which I now regret. I really should have asked them to stop when it FIRST came up.

Then my husband lost his job and things turned immediately more sour. The more money tightened the more horrible I felt every single day knowing that I was slowly beginning to wait two weeks to a month between feedings instead of feeding weekly as I usually did. I just kept holding out thinking "work will come soon... it will be fine soon...". At that point, every time my "animal hoarding" was joked about at work it deeply hurt me and then even I considered myself an animal hoarder, because while I loved them all to pieces, we had a negative life-event that was making it impossible to care for everyone.

Finally, we had to adopt out and sell most of our collection just so I could be more sure they'd get proper care. I really regret doing it, but I regret not making the decision sooner even more. Sometimes animal hoarding happens when people make bad decisions over and over (like getting new pets when they know they can't feed the ones they have), but in my situation it wasn't something I chose to have happen to me.

In your situation, it makes me mad that people are being so negative when you so obviously take amazing care of your pets. Your doing nothing wrong and it wouldn't be out of line for you to say something to someone about it. I'm happy to say that we're doing much better now, getting life back on track, and have agreed that we're now in a position to safely begin re-growing our collection. We're setting up a website, have bought a Vision rack and have breeding plans for the future.

It definitely leaves a sour taste in my mouth when people falsely accuse others of animal hoarding when they don't know anything about it. It's a sucky situation for animal lovers everywhere and if I were you, I definitely wouldn't let it go any farther.

Thanks, I still wouldn't have consider you a hoarder you just fell on hard times and you did do what was best for the animals by rehoming them. I'm glad things are going better for you.

A few years ago I had more if not the same amount of animlas and I was never called a hoarder. Now within the last year or two anyone who has more then like 1 cat and dog is a hoarder. I really hate TV at the moment.

Good post, Lauren. It's not that I _hide_ anything.

Sometimes I _do_ think I would like to tell people to shut up, get a life of your own, and mind your own beeswax.
Iguanagirl8662, I guess you see I have little patience with people harassing or judging me OR my friends. I do not like the idea of them focusing on just one facet of your life, which I am sure is very broad and deep and interesting.

I suppose talking about other interests might strike a good balance in an awkward work situation. For instance, asking co-workers what they like to do in their free time, or if they have pets. What are their short term goals or dreams in life.

Most of my coworkers are very nice and we talk about school and other things going on but there 3 or 4 who only focus on the fact that I have a lot of animals. I'm a shy person and try just to ignore things that's why lately I have found I've just been avoiding them or not talking about anything involving animals which seems to be helping but I'm going to have to talk to them about it.

Well Rich had a lot of snakes. Was he a hoarder? Things could have gotten out of control if he wasn't on top of it every day. Can pet hoarder say no to getting another animal?? Seem like they think they are doing the right thing for the animals but are over whelmed and the animals start getting sickly.

Seems like you have every thing under control and your boyfriend (who is another adult looking at it) is OK with it. So I would think there is no issue. But being called a hoarder at work, in front of customers, is not a good work environment. I would talk to the manager ( I know the manager calls you that too) and ask for it to stop. State your reasons then if nothing happens call the district manager. This way you still give the store manager a chance. And they won’t get pissed off and give you less or poor hours to work hours.

On another note. I know times are hard you are working you way through collage.
Which is very admirable. But………… you should think twice before taking on a “rescued ” animals from your summer job.
You have to save yourself first so you can save others.

I am going to talk to my manager the next time they say something about it, but I'm pretty sure my managers don't like me as it is so I'm not sure how that will go and I normally get poor hours especially if I request a day off (she seems to punish me for needing a day off). I'm in the process of looking for a new job. I like being able to help people with their animals but I don't like my work environment.

As far as the rescued animals the past few years I have learned to say no to people but sometimes animals actually get left there and I take them in but I haven't been keeping them. Like right now I have a turtle that came from there and my vet is adopting him. I have 9 turtles and 3 Igs and that's my limit I refuse to take in anymore of them, even though I get people all the time who ask me to take theirs. I've also get a lot of people asking me to take their geckos and snakes and I know I can't just take all of them. At one point I had a lot of rescued Igs and turtles when I was in high school and I had no time to myself cause I was always taking care of something. It took me a couple hours just to cut up food for the Igs but I learned were my limits are. Now I'm just getting the animals I want to own instead of getting stuck with other peoples sick animals the cost me money in vet care.

 

[SnakeAround]

Maybe the poster can ask the hostile coworkers over to her house to show how well maintained and healthy the snakes and vivs look? It might change their view 180 degrees... if at least one of them would change his or her opinion, it might effect the others as well. Make sure your house is as clean and neat as can be too, they simply can't ignore what they have seen at your place then, right?

 

[Karoni]

My suggestion, before creating a lot of friction by reporting anything to superiors or accusing someone of slander, is to try and explain to them that Yes... You have a lot of animals, and you understand they are just teasing you, but that the term "hoarder" is a very negative term which you take offense to, and you would prefer they don't say that anymore, especially in front of customers. They may know they are just teasing you because they know you - but customers do not, and when they hear someone refer to you as a "hoarder" they are going to picture a very negative situation.

Try to kill the negativity with honey instead of fire. Try not to put anyone on the defensive because it will only make the friction you are feeling worse.

If they don't respond to that or it doesn't stop, then yes... I feel you are %100 within your right to talk to your superiors about the negativity.

This is what I was thinking, too. Iguanagirl, you shouldn't have to put up with this. If your co-workers are reasonable people, perhaps they don't realize how offensive they are being. If it was me, I would give them a chance by talking to them first and giving them a chance to change their behavior. That seems fair. Then, if they ignore you or don't care, you can go up the line. People can be amazingly unaware of how obnoxious they are being. Not everyone is blessed with a healthy dose of sensitivity.