Frontier Communications Assumes Responsibility for Pepper's Vet Bill

On Saturday, June 18,at approx. 8 pm (est) Mr. Greg Edwards visited REACH and arranged for the payment of Pepper's bill...to include whatever care the Vet deems best.

Mr. Edwards actually agreed to cover Pepper's vet expenses at around noon on Saturday, but clerical issues prevented the use of his card over the phone so he drove to Asheville and paid in person Saturday evening.

We thank him!

Pepper is still in critical condition, but she has a chance, which is greatly increased by getting all the care she needs.  She did show some signs of improvement early Saturday morning.  She raised her head and acknowledged the vet tech a couple of times, but then she had another seizure at about noon, and had to be sedated again.  Her pupils are pinpoints and she's being treated for brain swelling, but she's breathing on her own.

The Vet said that there no way to predict an outcome in the case of a severe head injury. This could go on for several days, and then Pepper could either recover completely, with no long term effects....or she could go into a coma and never wake up.

The Raricks would like to thank everyone who expressed concern for Pepper and urged Frontier to help with her care. Since they do not have an Internet connection, the Rarick family asked us to pass along their heartfelt gratitude.

Frontier Communications Refuses To Help with Emergency Vet Treatment

Pepper, the miniature schnauzer who was brutally bludgeoned in the head by a Frontier Internet Technician has been moved to the Regional Emergency Animal Care Hospital (REACH) in Asheville North Carolina.  Pepper is still unconscious and the vet on call did not sound optimistic regarding Pepper's chance of survival without extensive medical care.

Unfortunately, REACH requires full payment in advance, before treatment ... which they estimated to be $1568.54 for the weekend. The Raricks and their neighbors were only able to raise about $600.00 on a few hours notice so REACH re-estimated the costs of "supportive care" only.


Without giving Pepper all the treatment she actually needs the deposit required was $550.63 .
Three hours after being informed of the dire situation, Mr. Greg Edwards, speaking for Frontier Communications, REFUSED to assist the Raricks in obtaining the necessary emergency care for Pepper. 

Mr. Edwards stated that he would contact the Technician, who did not return to work after being charged with Animal Cruelty, and then meet with Frontier General Manager Ken Maxwell (828-645-1801) on MONDAY, before deciding what help, if any, they would offer the Raricks.  The fact that Pepper could be dead by Monday did not seem to matter to Mr. Edwards in the slightest.

Frontier Communication's callous disregard for the life of the tiny dog their Technician nearly killed with one blow is absolutely deplorable.  One phone call with a credit card from a Frontier Accountant to REACH would guarantee that Pepper would receive ALL the medical treatment she so desperately needs. 

Instead of acting in a responsible and caring manner, Frontier Communication's upper management is going to "have a meeting about the incident" Monday morning, when it's convenient for them....regardless of the effect their delay will have on Pepper's care.

Frontier Internet Technician Clubs Miniature Schnauzer.

A Frontier Communications Internet Installation Technician has been charged with "Cruelty to an Animal" after brutally clubbing a leashed, miniature schnauzer in the head with a Heavy Duty Test Phone.  The 15 lb dog, "Pepper" is currently in Sylva Animal Hospital in critical condition with a severe head injury.  At time of writing, "Pepper" had not yet regained consciousness and was suffering multiple seizures.
 

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.

"Pepper" is a friendly, family pet who was property leashed and represented no threat to the young, 6ft tall Frontier Technician. According to witnesses, the Frontier Technician was clearly "Looking for a dog" when he disregarded the resident's request that he "wait until I put my dogs up" and went around to the side of the cabin.

"This was not a startle reaction" said a witness to the assault on Pepper. "The Frontier Technician clubbed that little dog as hard as he could like this" stated the witness, making the motion of rising his arm into the air and striking downward in a forceful cross body blow. "The dog was at the end of her lead and the Frontier Technician had to bend over to hit her."

 At no time after the incident did the Frontier Technician appear upset, or even concerned about the animal he'd just beaten unconscious. His face showed no visible affect at all, and his voice was flat and unemotional  ...until AFTER he found out he would be charged with "Cruelty to an Animal"

 

"Pepper" is currently fighting for her life, and Frontier Communications has thus far refused to assist with the rapidly mounting vet fees.  Neighbors have taken up a collection to help pay for Pepper's immediate emergency care, but the little dog needs to be moved to the Asheville Regional Emergency Animal Care Hospital REACH for 24 hour care over the weekend. The Rarick's have a 4 year old son as well as a new baby, and like most young couples in their situation, are of limited means. 

If you are reading this, PLEASE take a moment of your time and call Frontier Communications and urge them to provide for Pepper's medical care.

When he realized he was being photographed, the Frontier Technician turned his back to the camera.

 

If you need additional details please call: 828-226-7275