Dear Annie: I love my job. I love the people with whom I work; yet recently, a member of my office decided on their own that they wanted to purchase an office support pet, despite not needing any additional support in an already sound and safe office environment.

This individual, with their own money, went out and bought a hamster. This person takes care of the hamster, and while the hamster bothers me, some people seem to enjoy this creature’s company.

I do not! I despise rodents of any variety. Every day I am at my wits’ end thinking that this thing might potentially get loose. Its presence has upset the entire workday for me. I fully understand the concept behind support animals, but isn’t this counterproductive when what it actually brings is a sense of fear to those who feel threatened by its mere existence?

I know there are other members of the staff who share my feelings but are just as fearful as I am to mention anything for fear of ruining the dynamic of our workplace. Please advise. — Hamster Hater

Dear Hamster Hater: If your colleague insists on bringing her hamster to the workplace, then they have to follow some ground rules. It should go without saying that the hamster must be in its cage at all times. If it’s making noise, it must go in a separate room from where people are working. Hopefully, you can land on a compromise that works for everyone. If you are still disturbed by the hamster, then you should go to HR or, along with your colleagues who feel the same way, politely ask your co-worker to keep the hamster at home.

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“How Can I Forgive My Cheating Partner?” is out now! Annie Lane’s second anthology — featuring favorite columns on marriage, infidelity, communication and reconciliation — is available as a paperback and e-book. Visit Creators Publishing for more information. Send your questions for Annie Lane to [email protected].

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