Everyone talking behind my back at work

[Treehouse00]

I work within a team but work on a one to one with a colleague. I have recently got a puppy and as it’s at the puppy stage I have been really more than tired more so at night time. The tiredness has been making me more dizzy than usual which I had to not go in to work today due to the dizziness. My work colleague who I work one to one with told me that everyone is talking at work about how I can’t cope with the puppy at night & how it’s making me so tired I can’t attend work. If anyone says anything to me tomorrow how should I reply back to them as I don’t think it’s right for them to judge me for being tired & not attending work today (just to add my work does not affect their work in any way)

Apologise and stress it won’t happen again

Why should I apologise and say it won’t happen again when my work doesn’t affect theirs

But you can't cope with your puppy at night and you are taking time off work because you're tired. They're not saying anything that isn't true.

I'd just say you were really dizzy, because tiredness from a puppy doesn't really sound like a reason to call in sick. But dizziness would be.

Your colleague is shit stirring, she sounds thoroughly unpleasant

The puppy stage is really tough, so I do sympathise. But I wouldn't have called in sick due to lack of sleep/dizziness from a self-inflicted situation. Genuine illness is a different matter.

So you’re mad that they are saying true things about you? I’m trying to understand what the problem is.

The tiredness makes me feel dizzy in the morning but yes I didn’t call in sick to say I was tired from puppy I called in to say I was feeling very dizzy

You clearly cannot cope with a puppy and your job. Grow up.

You’ve had a day off because you’ve got a dog. Not surprised people are a bit miffed

Really??!!
And you wonder why they are talking about you.
Who did your work whilst you were off sick?

I am embarrassed for you

As a manager I'd be looking to manage you out of your job.

But they all know your dizziness is due to the dog being up?

Who has the dog during the day. Can they help at night?

I have to be honest, I think most people would be amused if a colleague called in sick because their puppy was hard work at night.

Swings and roundabouts.

You're tired/dizzy because of the puppy.

What they’re saying isn’t wholly inaccurate, and haters gonna hate. I’d just ignore it.

This excuse for not working is right up there with a staff member who went home for lunch and didn't come back because his mum just washed the kitchen floor whilst he was sat at the breakfast bar eating and so he couldn't walk across the floor...........he was only 16yo though 😂

Are you 16 years old OP?

Erm, I really don't think you should have a puppy. Mine is currently 14 weeks old and sleeps reliably through the night. I have had zero days off sick because I have a puppy.
I am embarrassed for you and would definitely be talking to my colleagues at work about what a piss taker you are 🙄

Unless you have other health problems leading to dizziness then I don't blame your colleagues for talking about you - dizziness from tiredness due to a puppy sounds like bollocks to me and I would think it was pretty pathetic to call in sick for that reason

People are obviously going to be annoyed if you don't go to work because you got a dog.

Ha ha ha

Nice one.

My team are all massive animal lovers so wouldn't bag an eyelid at this, However, if this happens again it would probably be better to ask to take a days annual leave because you're exhausted after being up all night with the pup.

What have you tried to help him to sleep better? A ticking alarm clock wrapped in a towel really seems to help. My Grandad used to do it with his dogs years ago so I tried with mine, it really does work!

Gosh, you couldn’t go to work because of your puppy making you tired?
Bit ridiculous really and I am not surprised people are talking about you - it’s not like they are saying anything that’s not true is it?
Either send the puppy back to the breeder/rescue or deal with the tiredness.
If I managed you and you had a day off for this reason I would be pretty pissed off

Just to make it clear I have health issues - I am Anaemix and have to take iron tablets regularly

So did you have a day off because you were ill or because the puppy made you tired?
Either way the puppy is not a good idea

You'll probably have colleagues who've gone to work dizzy with tiredness after being up with a sick child so they going to think you're a bit of a limp lettuce. You can't police people's thoughts, you can either change and be a bit more resilient with a stronger work ethic, or ignore it.
If their comments are persistent and cross the line into bullying you can report to your manager, as whatever they think of you, that's obviously not allowed.