Woman blames pet hamster’s death on workers installing kitchen doors, company unable to establish ‘causal link’

A homeowner, identified as Shirley, is alleging negligence and seeking accountability from installation company Mettalogy following the death of her hamster and a series of complaints regarding a kitchen renovation project.

Multiple Complaints Filed

Shirley initially contacted Mettalogy via Instagram on July 11, 2025, to arrange for the installation of frosted glass doors. After paying a $1,600 deposit – representing 70 percent of the total cost – she anticipated the work would be completed in August. However, the installation faced repeated delays.

Did You Know? Shirley first contacted Mettalogy through their Instagram page, highlighting the increasing role of social media in consumer-business interactions.

According to Shirley, she experienced a lack of communication regarding rescheduling, late arrivals of workers, unanswered calls and messages, changes to the project scope without prior notice, and what she described as aggressive and threatening behavior from a worker. She stated she felt unsafe in her own home.

Hamster’s Death Linked to Renovation Dust

Shirley alleges that dust generated during the renovation work caused her hamster to suffer “severe respiratory distress,” ultimately leading to its death. A video shared with Stomp appears to show the hamster struggling to breathe. Mettalogy was informed of the hamster’s death a few days after the installation.

Company Response

Mettalogy acknowledged Shirley’s dissatisfaction and apologized for the delays, stating that unforeseen circumstances at other job sites sometimes caused rescheduling. The company also stated that installers are permitted to assess their own physical limits and stop work if fatigued.

Expert Insight: Disputes between contractors and homeowners are unfortunately common, often stemming from communication breakdowns and unmet expectations. The alleged aggressive behavior, if substantiated, represents a serious breach of professional conduct and could have legal ramifications.

Regarding the claim of aggressive behavior, Mettalogy stated the installer denies throwing any items but admitted to informing Shirley he may need to stop work for the day due to fatigue. The company also noted that Shirley did not file a police report regarding the alleged threats. Mettalogy further explained that communication attempts were hampered by the fact that Shirley contacted them after business hours.

The company stated that the frosted film installation was handled by a separate contractor and that coordinating both teams on the same day was a goodwill effort that ultimately failed due to the film contractor’s schedule. An outstanding balance remains on the completed portion of the work, and Mettalogy claims the situation has escalated to demands for discounts and threats of negative social media exposure.

What Might Happen Next

It is possible that Shirley may pursue further action, such as filing a formal complaint with a consumer protection agency. Mettalogy has stated its willingness to resolve the matter privately, suggesting a potential for negotiation or mediation. Without further information, it is unclear whether the parties will reach a mutually agreeable resolution or if the dispute will escalate further.

Frequently Asked Questions

What were some of the initial issues Shirley experienced with Mettalogy?

Shirley reported repeated delays in the installation, a lack of communication regarding rescheduling, late arrivals of workers, unanswered messages, changes to the project scope, and alleged aggressive behavior from a worker.

What is Mettalogy’s response to the claim that renovation dust contributed to the hamster’s death?

Mettalogy expressed sympathy for the loss but stated they are unable to establish a direct link between the installation work and the hamster’s death, and that they were not aware of a pet being present during the work.

What does Mettalogy say about the worker’s behavior on the day of the installation?

Mettalogy stated the installer denies throwing any items but explained that he informed Shirley he may need to stop work for the day due to fatigue. They also noted that Shirley did not file a police report regarding the alleged threats.

In situations involving home renovations, what steps can homeowners take to protect themselves and their pets during the process?

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