Frontier Internet Technician Clubs Miniature Schnauzer

A way to donate?

Is there a way to donate to help out? Like a PayPal account? I live a couple hours east of there and I'm wondering if we could get this pushed into the local news here.

Outrageous Vet bills

The Frontier technician should be fired, and tried for animal cruelty. Asking SOTT readers to help pay for some outrageously inflated Vet bill to save a dog is ludicrous! If the dog's life is endangered, and it is suffering, it should humanely be exterminated. So what if the family cannot afford to save their dear pet, what will the Vet do, stop treating it? Sounds to me like the Vet is as pathological as the technician, producing a bill of such proportions! It looks like emotional blackmail to me!

There are far more serious needs in this world than saving a family's pet dog!

Two crimes comitted - The Vet is just as guilty

Case in point - You can get arrested and charged with animal cruelty....and in this case seemingly so.....
But a Vet can let the dog go untreated and die for lack of payment with impunity.

Yes I understand that Vet's have to stay in business and maintain profitability to stay in business.

But the Vet could easily turn this situation into a great PR story and monetize it with Good Will in the community.

SOTT has to post a worldwide posting to try to aggregate justice for Pepper and the family.......Why can't the Vet do the same?

No...instead they hold the family, community and now due to this post - the world at ransom until they get paid. They will let the dog die.....I in fact just had to put my dog Pepper down for this very reason a few months ago. I couldn't afford the treatment which may have saved my Pepper. However the Vet was able to to take my last $300 for a "Humane" euthanasia shot right in front of me.

So as guilty as the Tech is....so is the Vet. Just like Bankers.....they squeeze you with no recourse.

I also understand....if you don't have the cash....don't get a pet. yeah yeah...I get it. But today with 1-10 being laid off....

The options I see for Vet's.........1) Pet insurance almost as expensive as human medical plans....only doable for those with enough cash to begin with.

2) Run a constant donation plan on their website and in the waiting room. Even ad it to the bill as an optional "tip" option to contribute to those less fortunate. If I have to pay $180 for a checkup, shot and meds......I will contribute $1-$10 dollars to their community donation. In fact, at least I know that my donation will stay in the community and help my neighbors.

3) Take a payment plan for 3 months. A/R of 90 days is less than doing business with the government.

4) Accept a lien on assets like cars, houses or boats.

5) Build in a right off amount of 20% and adjust your fees......

6) Apply for government grants or community fundraisers like the Fire and Police do.

So it is very sad for Pepper and the family that this Tech committed a crime ......but a Vet who holds every at ransom like the Mexican police do to US Citizens is just as atrocious.

Better yet.

Start a boycott of Frontier campaign, their competition might like that. Maybe a local PETA group could picket their local offices or regional or national offices in protest? Otherwise, a PAYPAL acct setup is most likely to bring immediate relief in monetary means, as the company PR officials 'are just doing their job' and will continue until they either quit or are fired... same with the vet and local media/mail groups dependent upon corporate advertisers.

Are we seeing the whole picture here?

Hi, This is my first post on Sott (though I have been reading articles and exploring the Forum for some time. I just read the article about 45 minutes ago, and like most people was appalled and went ahead and made the call to frontier. I left a message on Ken Maxwells number, and although I was polite, I was fairly direct about the need for his company to do the right thing and how it was a shamefull act what happened to the dog and especially in front of a minor like that.
Then I made a call to Greg Edwards (Frontier) and actually got to speak with him in person. He informed me of some information that seems to have not made it into the above article, and how it has been turned into a bit of a witch hunt (not his words). He said that the article really is not accurate. He said that after he received the call demanding payment for the vets bill (which apparently he was given an ultimatum that within so many hours he should have a check written out to the vets, etc), He called the Sheriff to find out more about the incident and that apparently the employee has not been charged. He would not get into detail about it, but said that the article was pretty much untrue, but that his employee would be investigated (maybe should be a more thorough investigation, especially if there was a young child witness, essentially it is an act of mental abuse on the child if it was the case), and they were dealing with it. He also said that they are paying for the vets bills, and that he spoke with the owners of the dog who say they have nothing to do with the article written about the incident. I am obviously no expert, and obviously if the employee did what was said to have happened, then I am truly disgusted especially if there was a young child watching. I am taking this as a lesson for myself, as my initial reactions to this situation were somwhat like the reactions above, but after further investigation I find myself questioning the validity of the article above, not because I think it is untrue, but just that I often come on Sott, and because I have a lot of 'faith', and respect for the research etc which obviously goes into the site, I take the information as gospel sometimes. I know that the guys and girls on SOTT would say they encourage people to do their own research and not to take anyone perspective as gospel, and I truly think they mean that (you mean that), and this is more a lesson for me about that fact (and maybe should be a lesson to others on here posting and writting) that we all need to be extra dilligent and make sure to check and verify the information before we get to emotionally charged about things. In the end, I think we have a limited amount of capacity to hanndle the craziness which is smothering our planet, and that we should choose wisely how and when and where to expel and give fourth our hard earned energy. The strangest thing of all, is that this is the first time I have posted on here although many hundreds of times I could have done so before, in response to much more serious issues (not to downplay this incident in any way), and I have to ask myself why now, and what does that mean and say about me. Oddly enough I have been a vegetarian for almost 15 years and just started to eat meat again, much from research and what I have read on SOTT). Wow, good work SOTT for making me think....

Poor Pepper!

I look forward to the possibility of more information about this in regards to the information dakotawillow posted above.

Unfortunately, I don't have the resources to donate or even make a call at this point (we've had a tough couple of weeks and we're having to ration our meat out for each week), but Pepper will be in my prayers. Whatever the reality of this situation, let's try to help it reach a happy ending.

My opinion?

The Frontier Technician should be MADE to pay for every red cent!
Garnish his wages, seize his home, belongings, whatever. Make him legally accountable! If he's ''man'' enough to beat on an adorable harmless leased dog, he should be man enough to cover all the costs of his actions!
Further, that lowlife should be FIRED....he is no different than a cowardly child abuser, hitting and beating on living, breathing vulnerable beings.....disgraceful and disgusting.
IMO, he is at the bottom of gutter for these actions.
Love and Blessings to (((sweet Pepper))).....you're in God's hands right now....I pray for whatever He chooses to do to make it better and bad men go away.

And the picture evolves...

Thanks Griffin, some good information in your post about the nature of how companies act and behave and how as you said they tend to have some kind of power, just by mere default that they are the only provider, etc. I had somewhat a simlar occurence with a heating oil company, who after several attempts from us for them to fix a problem with out furnace, the owner of the company finally called me, and said that he was cancelling the service contract that had already been paid for by our landlord, and that he didn't care about us as custumers as we were not getting our heating oil from them anymore (even though our landlord had paid upfront for the maintenance contract on the fairly new furnace).
Anyway, I think you may be right about the company trying to cover there ass with there employee, but also you have to give the company some credit, that they have taken up paying the medical bills for the dog, and just because the sheriff couldn't yet tell him that the man had been charged, doesn't mean he didn't try and that in his own mind he has done what he can to try and figure out the situation and do the right thing. I think maybe letting this one go, until more information comes available, is probably a just and fair way of moving forward. If the man was charged by the police, then he will have his day in court, and hopefully get what is coming to him. We have to put this in perspective here, many people do terrible things, and some much worse than this situation, but it is not the company who is dragged through the mud, typically. I am sure there have been many companies who have had some serious phsychopaths working for them, without having any idea that they might be capable of such insane behaviour, but can we expect them to be morally responsible for all of there employees actions (yes if they continue to employ them after this is discovered for sure), but we don't know what is going to happen here, and yet we are giving this company a real ass kicking. In my mind if the company is footing the medical expences (which hopefully he wasn't lieing about that), and they are waiting to see what happened during the incident, before investigating the employee, then I don't they can do to much more at this point. Lets not act like the PTB and make an example out of someone just to serve our own needs of validating our beliefs in the world.
Hope I am making some sense here... Thanks again

Our hearts go out to the family!

Hello - I work for Frontier Communications. We learned of a situation that involved a Frontier employee and resulted in severe injuries to Pepper. The employee reacted instinctively when surprised and nipped by the dog and swung backwards by reflex, hitting the dog. We are pleased that the injuries to Pepper are being treated and the prognosis has improved. Our hearts go out to the family and we have spoken to them directly. The situation is under investigation and the employee involved is completely distraught. Frontier has also committed to payy all veterinary bills associated with Pepper’s injury
.
Frontier is committed to doing all we can regarding this situation. We know the pain the family is enduring and our hearts ache for them.

Thank you!
Stephanie

Just a note

The report was written based on accurate information at the time of the event. It obviously is an evolving situation since a lot of pressure is being put on the company; they want to cover their backsides and sheriff's deputies may say things to a citizen that their superiors later countermand.

What is evident from staying in touch with the situation as it has developed is that it is ONLY due to publicizing the event that any positive results have been forthcoming. Initially, there WAS a refusal to do anything and that only changed after many calls and emails AS A RESULT of the situation as reported above.

At this point, if the individual is not going to be charged by the legal system, we think that some calls and emails to them would be in order. If that doesn't get action, the family can sue and if they ask, we'll assist with funds for legal action.

RE: Moving forward...

Well it is good to hear from someone at Frontier at last. I would also be interested if the person who posted this article to come on and give some further information about the subject. In response to Irini comments, sure they should keep the employee out of work if there is some kind investigation going on, or even if there are witness's who are saying they saw something different than what he obviously said, which could be a complete lie for all we know, sure he would deny it, if he did what was alleged, he should be ashamed and would try to cover himself. I guess at the end of the day the purpose of this article was to put pressure on Fontier to do pay the vet bills and to take the incident very seriously and follow up with an investigation or at least, give there employee time out till a legal investigation is carried out. I think the former has happened, and at least the financial side is being met, and dealt with (which should go without saying). I don't necessarily think it is fair to carry this article until this stuff is vetted out (no pun intended). I don't know why an eyewitness would make up something that was untrue like this, but they could have also caught only a certain part of the incident (who knows at this point), and not what happened to instigate if that is what apparently happened. The reality is, that I wouldn't be at all surprised if someone is capable of what this man is being accused of in this article (not because I know the person but because nothing surprises me anymore), I am not saying I believe he did or didn't at this point, but just that there is a heck of alot of hatred for this person and really is anyone sure of what happened here, because I am not. I dont necessarily think that much of the US legal system as it is a completely rigged game, but I think unless anyone here is willing to get their hands dirty on this one, and really try and put some evidence forward, I am left to think that I am shooting in the dark, trying to proportion blame and cast someone down to the gallows. Lets hope the truth comes through in the end and that the reality of the incident comes out. Most of all I hope that the little boy who had to witness his dog getting badly hurt, manages to heal as his friend Pepper does...

Disbelief....

I just took the time to read the article again. I feel like in some ways after calling Frontier, that I might have been playing devils advicate on this. Reading the article again made my blood boil again, just like it had originally. If this man did what was witnessed then I think Frontier really needs to re-address there position on this incident. My question to Frontier would be; If an eyewitness saw your employee committing this act of unprovoked violence, and that he is in the process of being charged for the crime of animal cruelty, should you still be standing behind this person?
Secondly; If you only decided to make payment for the Vets fees after the fact that this incident started generating attention, doesn't it make sense and is the right thing to do, that you come forth and apologize for this indescretion and from here on, be as open and transparent as possible, as this is the right thing to do, and will innevitably bring the best outcome for your company and the people involved?
Good luck to the family again and I hope Pepper makes a speedy recovery..

In Regards to Stephanie Schifano's Comment

While this seems like a nice attempt to "do the right thing" and while I am very happy to hear that Frontier is FINALLY paying the veterinary bills for Pepper, I have a hard time buying Stephanie's (and other Frontier Management's) account of the situation.

I googled her name and Stephanie's Twitter and Facebook profile says that she is in marketing and customer relations for Frontier.

I kind of have a hard time buying anything put out by any management/marketing/customer relations from companies. I could be wrong though.

My question is ...was she there and did she witness it. If not how can she attest to what really happened?

I just don't buy Stephanie's account of what happened. The logistics just don't line up for me. The man is tall and Schnauzer's are a smaller breed. I cannot visualize the man being that tall and "swinging backwards by reflex" and low enough to hit a small dog hard enough to cause the type of injuries that Pepper sustained.

As far as the DA not charging the man...

I used to work in law enforcement as clerical support and there are MANY times where a police officer initially charges someone with a crime and the charge is dropped due to pressure from superiors and/or the District Attorney.

It is often is due to someone knowing someone and calling out a favor or the District Attorney kisses the charge off due to a technical error in the report by the Officer or the Officer did not follow proper protocol somewhere along the way in the process.

If there is a technical error in the report or proper protocol was not followed often the defense attorney can get the charges dismissed and District Attorneys often do not want to waste the taxpayers money and the court's time to pursue charges that will be dismissed by a judge.

Ya think North Carolina has the "good ol' boy" network thang going on?

A bit of info

In case anyone is wondering, a miniature schnauzer is a rather small dog:

Weight Male 12 to 20 lb (5.4 to 9.1 kg)
Female 12 to 18 lb (5.4 to 8.2 kg)

Height Male 12 to 14 in (30 to 36 cm)
Female 12 to 14 in (30 to 36 cm)

That is, a dog a little over a foot tall ...

Gore:

"So telling that a communications company would hire this sort of individual (psychopath)> I wonder how many phones this individual has tapped? After all, only a sociopath would willingly do that line of work."

As an employee of Frontier, I was just as shocked as the next person while reading the article and then shocked some more when reading your comment. Did I misunderstand you? If not, what the hell kind of generalization is that? I am a field tech for Frontier (originally Verizon) in Oregon and am rather offended that because of my line of work (hooking up phone and internet) you are you calling me a sociopath without knowing anything about me. You do a huge disservice to the thousands of telecommunications techs who DON'T beat up on little dogs.

NC Reporter

hello , wanted to let you know that I just called Greg Edwards he stated that blogs and rumors were not telling the truth , he said in fact that they did pay the vet bills , in turn I do need too call that vet and see if he is lying or telling me the truth.

DOC

INNOCENT until proven guilty, Remember?

The fact is, that an tethered biting dog is JUST as much the owner's responsibility as one that's roaming free to attack.
That's true in the lower 48 states, and I assume NC is still a US State, no matter how it rebels.
ANY utility workman is empowered to defend himself against home dogs,
and that's why we ARM them for that purpose.

@Merlin5by5

Does Frontier have a policy on how employees handle aggressive dogs and dog attacks? I am sure the policy at Frontier in NO way states that it is okay to bludgeon a dog in the head. Pepper spray is a more safe choice for all involved. If an aggressive dog approaches, you retreat and spray a cloud of pepper spray that the dog must hit first before reaching you. Once the dog hits the cloud it is repelled and you are clear of danger. It is not rocket science. Any utility workman SHOULD know this. If not, you shouldn't be in that business. Dogs are a given in that field, figure it out.

Actually, a tethered docile dog on the owner's property IS responsible. An owner directing the Frontier Technician to stay put until the dogs are secured IS responsible.

A Frontier Technician disobeying the owner's orders to wait until he secured the dogs is NOT responsible. A Frontier Technician continuing to the side of the property inspite of hearing barking is NOT responsible. If you have ever heard a Schnauzer bark, you CANNOT miss it.

I agree with you that postal employees, utility workmen and service employees DO have the right to defend themselves but ONLY when it is justified. Ever hear of appropriate level of force? Ever been trained on the use of force continuum or do you just shoot everything that twitches.

Hey, @Merlin5by5

How's it hangin', good buddy? Got yer CB all fired up and lookin' out for Smokies? Hyuck, hyuck.

You must be a mite slow in the head to believe that because, as you wrote, "ANY utility workman is empowered to defend himself against home dogs, and that's why we ARM them for that purpose" somehow means that this guy was in any way justified to ignore the homeowner's warning and go out of his way to - gratuitously, mind you - bludgeon a yappy little dog, when it was already leashed and not a threat to him whatsoever. That was a criminal act, and you're a jerk for trying to defend him.

Most utility workers are alright, just working stiffs making a wage for hard work and they, postal workers and delivery drivers occasionally are faced with dangerous dogs. They are given training to avoid that and are issued pepper spray to defend themselves. That's not what happened in this incident. Instead, this cracker seems to have gone looking for this dog and clubbed it, inflicting life threatening injuries. There is no excuse for that. He should be prosecuted and forced to pay the vet bills, plus damages for the pain and suffering he caused.

If you come onto my property, with my permission or, especailly, if not, and attack one of my animals for no reason, it's arguable that I can legally shoot you. I'll shoot you down like a dog killing livestock.

I agree with April. You can 10-7 here and go 10-19 straight to Hell, if you read me 5by5, good buddy.

Small scale incident

I can understand how SOTT feel because I too have a dog and if a friend or online community member witnessed something like this I would also take action.

However, it simple doesn't make sense why the Frontier Technician tried to beat to death the dog. It would be inevitable he would be caught and prosecuted for animal cruelty. It would be inevitable he would lose his job. It was also a real possibility that attacking the dog would mean the owner assaulting him or worse. Yet the Technician went ahead and beat the dog. Psychopaths usually try to hide their nature. This seems to be a case of somebody with a mental illness or extenuating circumstances that caused the man to 'snap' and take out his frustrations on a helpless animal.

There is also the unmentioned possibility of the dog biting the Technician. Even if that was the case though, a little yapper dog hardly calls for him to defend himself with physical force.

The Eyewitness Account Says This:

"Upon arriving at the residence, the Frontier Technician was told by the resident, John Rarick to "Please wait while I put my dogs away" Instead of waiting as requested, "the Frontier Technician walked around the side of the cabin to where Pepper was restrained on her lead, bent over and viciously clubbed the tiny dog with a test phone about the size and weight of a dumbbell," according to a neighbor who was an eye witness to the bludgeoning of the dog, This occurred in full view of the Rarick's 4 year old son, who was raised with the 8 year miniature schnauzer. "

If the technician walked around the side of the house AFTER Mr. Rarick told him to "Please Wait" then whatever occurred is the technician's fault and would not have happened if the technician would have LISTENED to Mr. Rarick.

The blame and liability lie with the technician no matter how you slice it.

All the same

SOTT should not publish his picture till all the facts are in. If it turns out to be untrue then the damage is already done. A man falsely accused of rape goes through hell till his name is cleared and his troubles don't stop there.

Honestly...

Many here want to crucify this tech. guy on biased information. Let the whole story be told, I say. Are we that quick to judge? Just saying...

Links?

I have searched and haven't been able to find any other sources for this story. Does anyone have anything on this?

Update?

On Pepper's condition?
Does anyone know?

Anyone?

Haven't found a stitch of info to validate this article by a "forum member". Smells fishy. Does anyone have a link, other than SOTT, to verify?

Frontier Tech "Surprised" By Stealth Schnauzers?

I agree that striking a dog is deplorable. Our employee was surprised and nipped by the dog and reacted.
No excuse. Frontier immediately agreed to pay the vet bills. Our hearts go out to the family who we have have spoken to directly. We are investigating the entire incident and will act appropriately. Our employee is very distraught. I am a fellow dog lover and dog owner and understand your response.

John Swallow
Senior Vice President – North & South Carolina
Frontier Communications
843.957.3841 cell
john.swallow@ftr.com

More credible than a blogspot...

Yeah, I saw that. A blogger's perspective. I was more looking for a news report.

@ Niall

Ah, like a mainstream media news report?

Just out of curiosity, do they still "verify" things for you?

The MSM can play their part, but I wouldn't rely on just a blog either. That man's image should not have been published without fact checking. Simply not right, that's how police states operate. SOTT should know that.

Hmm

Who missed the comment which stated that the ONLY reason that the dog got cared for is that this was publicised? If they waited until "all the facts" were known, the dog may be dead. The company's first reaction was total resistance. The only way this could be done was to jeopardize their reputation. Remember that psychopaths operate best when no one is acting against them. Playing by the ruleset that they have learned to manipulate will allow them to easily hide behind the veil of plausibility. If caring people had not taken interest, the company's original plan would have worked.

It may seem odd to get so worked up about a dog. But the dog doesn't matter to you, consider that for a psychopath it's a small step from animals to humans. Unless there is some negative feedback, it can only escalate when psychopaths are involved. Animals could be seen as "training" for a psychopath.

Whether or not the worker is a psychopath does not change the severity of the crime, but if he is a psychopath he should be known for what he is.

Hmm - 2

To amend my previous post, even if the company isn't made up of actual psychopaths, it's mode of business is still in fact pathological; avoid responsibility at all costs.

@Leafspring and SabaiSabai

Actually the blog is written by a Forum Member with a darn good track record that was/is there. Not sure if you noticed at the top of the article where it states "A member of our forum was an eyewitness to this event and has submitted the following report. "

So it is not just some random "Billy Bob blogger's perspective" that is being passing around as rumor. It is an account written by someone who is credible and was there.

More than likely, a police report will be posted on the blog come Monday or soon thereafter.

As far as his picture being published, any mainstream media would have posted it. You want a story from the mainstream media yet protest a photo being used just like mainstream media would. Facts have been checked by the Forum Member that was there.

Regardless of whether or not you believe the tech's side of the story, people have a right to know what he looks like if this guy is still on the job doing installation at homes where pets are. The fact of the matter is that he hit a dog and it caused severe injury and people have a right to know as it unfolds.

"That techie may have kids"

Good lord, I hope not! Or a wife either.

WOW!

It just amazes me how people can blow one accident (an unforeseen and unplanned event or circumstance) in to such a big web of lies and opinions from people who have nothing to do with the incident and know nothing about what actually occurred. Its kind of saddening to think that so many people have nothing better to do than to put down and slander the name of a hard working American who was trying to do his job. Yes it is sad what happened to this dog, but it is also sad what happened to the frontier employee as well. A split second reaction that's result were unintentional have been completely been blown way out of proportion. This mans name, reputation, character, humanity, and integrity is being slandered. Know the facts before you spread more lies that are based on the lies you have been fed. I pray for the dog, the employee and his situation but above all i pray for you liars and gossipers. learn the truth before you speak lies. frontier is doing right by the dog and its owners. now mind your own business!

Niall,

I'm not defending psychopathic behaviour

On the contrary Niall I've often defended people who are victims of psychopathic behaviour, sometimes at some personal risk to myself.

What I'm saying is, don't jump the gun, wait until the facts are in and give that techie his day in court. Don't display his image or name him. Until a few days ago this man didn't exist to me, now his face is known all over the world to those who wish to see it. If he is a possible threat to his immediate community then inform them, not the entire world. Now that his image can be seen; and it seems that there are those that wish to spread this far and wide as this site from the UK demonstrates: [Link]His employer may be compelled to fire him, the police, the courts, to throw the book at him. It also opens him and his family to attacks from nutcases all over the place.

"An attack on our community IS our own business." What do you mean by that? If it's YOUR community and YOUR business, be it the internet, or your 'real world' community then keep this within it, don't spread it all over the world. I get the feeling it's already happening, this article has been taken off the front page of SOTT and now appears on page 6 of Society's Child [Link]at time of writing. Mind you it's probably alive and well in the C's forum somewhere.

Quoting SabaiSabai:
"I get the feeling it's already happening, this article has been taken off the front page of SOTT and now appears on page 6 of Society's Child [Link]at time of writing. Mind you it's probably alive and well in the C's forum somewhere. "

Actually it hasn't been "taken off", it has only been pushed off the front page my a more recent SOTT Focus article, as happens when any new article is posted. Here is the list of recent SOTT Focus articles: [Link]
The SOTT team obviously stands by their decision. If you believe they have done something criminal, then there are courses of action you may take, but I don't think that is the case. If this man has a family, it may be painful if this article brings pressure to bear on them. But consider this; if this man is capable of "reactively" hitting a small dog with near-deadly force, he may easily be capable of hitting a child or spouse with enough force to cause injury. At the very least, the evidence indicates that this person has problems with following simple and sensible requests, and that he may have reflexive rage issues. It would be unsurprising to find a series of such events in his past, and in the future if enough pressure isn't given now to get the matter the attention it deserves.

Responding to Comments

Greetings,

I'm the forum member who originally reported this story, and a member of my household was one of the eye witnesses to the attack on Pepper. The Raricks live in the cabin next to our home and I was called to the scene immediately after Pepper was struck, while she was still on the ground unconscious. I acquired statements from the victims and witnesses before the end of the day.

I also put up the "Please Help Pepper" blog on Friday AFTER Greg Edwards, a Manager at Frontier, told both the owner Gina Rarick and I that there was "nothing they could do" until they had a "meeting on Monday" I explained to Mr Edwards that Pepper could be dead by Monday and that knowledge did not change his decision to wait four days before "having a meeting" about the attack on Pepper.

Thanks to Laura and the Crew at SOTT, millions of people knew about Pepper's plight within hours, folks started calling Frontier, and THAT was what motivated Frontier management to provide advanced emergency medical care for Pepper on Saturday.

IF Frontier management had responded immediately, as an urgent, life and death situation created by their employee dictates, there would not have been a Blog or SOTT story about Pepper...because there would have been no need for one. Frontier did not even send a Supervisor to the property after the assault occurred, or to the Vet in town where Pepper was initially treated. Frontier did not make contact with the owners or witnesses Friday afternoon after the assault at all, despite repeated demands by the owner, with the Deputy Sheriffs present, to speak to a Supervisor. Frontier did absolutely NOTHING until we hunted down a Manager's phone number on the Internet and started making calls....and even then, it took public pressure to get them to act.

That said, I'll try to respond to the various questions listed in the comments, but if I miss yours, you can contact me here, or on Pepper's blog.

Pepper's condition has improved slightly. She's conscious and recognizes her name and family..but she's still shaking constantly and can't keep her balance when she tries to stand.
While it seems like a long time to us, it's actually only been six days since Pepper was assaulted by the Frontier Tech, and she was unconscious for three of those days. The Vet says her recovery will take time, and there will most likely be some permanent brain damage, but she's got a good chance at a decent quality of life.

The Raricks four year old child, who was present for the assault on the dog he's been raised with, was GREATLY relieved when his lifelong companion was allowed to come home for the night. Pepper is still staying with our local Vet during the day to receive IV fluids and medication, but she spends the night at home, which is great for both Pepper and her family.

There was mainstream coverage of the attack yesterday (Wednesday) on WLOS ABC 13 and WMYA 40
"Frontier Communications Technician Allegedly Beats Dog"
[Link]
"Animal Cruelty" charges against the Frontier Tech are still being investigated, and we should know whether or not he will be charged today or tomorrow.

To the person who maintains we should not have posted this "man's" picture. Do you have any pets and if so, do you think they should be safe when tied up in their own back yard?

Even IF you believe Frontier's ridiculous story (which conflicts with what THREE witnesses saw and heard) that the Service Technician was surprise attacked by a 15 lb, 12 inch tall, stealth schnauzer, and "reacted instinctively" by bludgeoning the tiny dog nearly to death ...do you want this "man" and his "instincts" to have legal access to your property?

I intend to make sure other pet owners know what this "man" looks like AND his name as soon as I can verify that the name a reader has provided us with is correct.through legal documents. Yes, this "man's" life has changed, due to HIS actions. I'm going to do everything within my power to insure that this "man" is never allowed to walk into another person's yard and club their leashed, family pet senseless.

The Raricks are from out of the area and just moved into their cabin, and the Technician was there to install NEW service, so there was no prior contact with the Rarick's or their dogs. The neighbors don't have any personal relationship with the new residents...at least they didn't BEFORE the attack. Our only commonality is that we ALL have dogs, and this could just as easily happened to one of our beloved pets....as it could have happened to yours if you live in the region serviced by this "man"

REACH (Regional Emergency Animal Care Hospital) DOES NOT refuse supportive "Compassionate Care" to any animal regardless of the owner's ability to pay. However, they MUST charge for the highly advanced, VERY expensive care that can increase a dog's chances of recovery after severe head trauma...if they didn't, they'd have to close their doors. They have to pay manufactures for the diagnostic machines that cost hundreds of thousands of dollars and the drug companies for the obscenely expensive medicines...not to mention their light bill and a living wage for their employees..

I'm sure everyone at REACH would just love it if they got a huge government grant and could offer free services to everyone who can't afford these advanced medical procedures for their pets. Personally, I would be ecstatic if we could fund medical care for needy people AND animals instead of spending our taxes going to war in every country that has an oil deposit.

It distressed us greatly to see financial liability for Pepper's condition shifted from Frontier to REACH by two people who responded to this article. An animal Trauma Center like REACH could simply not exist if it did charge for advanced medical procedures...and a Frontier Service Technician created the need for those advanced medical procedures. Hellooooo??

Please check your info....

I find it interesting that the forum member above originally implied that she witnessed the incident but now says a neighbor saw the incident.... I certainly agree with dixie00... before we crucify the tech we need to know his side of the story. Too many times we just assume what a neighbor or "friend" says is the absolutely what happened. I for one like to hear both sides before I assume anyone is guilty. By the way....I am an animal lover!

Joshua Gray Charged With Animal Cruelty

rontier Communications Service Technician Joshua Gray has been charged with misdemeanor "Cruelty to Animal(s)" NC Statue 14-360(A)

[Link]
The case is scheduled for July 12, 2011 in Sylva, NC (Jackson County)

"Pepper" the miniature schnauzer who was struck in the head by Gray is still in serious, but stable condition.

Criminal Case Against Joshua Gray Continued

[Link]
Criminal Case Against Joshua Gray Continued to August 23, 2011
Joshua Gray's Attorney requested and received a continuance in the Animal Cruelty case against Joshua Gray. The new court date is August 23, 2011.

Frontier Management will not say whether or not Joshua Gray has been fired, or even suspended, due to "Privacy Issues" ...so if you need phone service, and have a pet on a leash in your yard, you might want to keep a wary eye out for who Frontier sends to install/repair your telephone and/or Internet.

Pepper's condition is about the same, and it looks like the brain damage caused by Gray will be permanent. Pepper can only walk in circles and will most likely require special care for the rest of her life. The good news is that while her motor skills are shot, he mental faculties seem intact. She recognizes her family, responds to her name and other verbal stimuli, and clearly enjoys being cuddled.

While she will never be the same physically, she can have a good life as a well loved lap puppy.