This video shows an unprovoked attack on a small dog by a UPS deliver in Atascadero, California, at an Alzheimer’s home. The dogs owner, Tim Paulsen, who works at the home, was then attacked himself after he intervened, but sadly not before Patch was violently kicked by the UPS employee.
Patch, named after Patch Adams, regularly interacts with the elderly patients at the home and is a huge hit with them due to his friendly nature.
Speaking about the attack, Mr Paulsen said, “As I went to retrieve the dog the driver then hit me in the chest, dislocating my rib from my sternum, and re-breaking one of my ribs. As a result I have medical bills from Twin Cities ER, and I’m still in a great deal of pain from the incident.”
He continued, “This assault was completely unprovoked. I, nor my dogs, did anything to deserve this attack. The driver threatened to kick me as I tried to calm the situation down. I have been struggling due to the severe pain caused by this attack. Patch has been check by a vet however he has had problems since the incident.”
Mr Paulsen is urging UPS to re-evaluate and re-train their drivers.
After contacting UPS for a comment on the story, they have given the following statement to K9 Magazine, “UPS does not condone this driver’s behavior and we have taken disciplinary action. We have contacted the customer and apologized. This incident is a rare exception and does not reflect the positive customer experience typical of tens of thousands of UPS drivers around the country, many of whom have served the same community for decades.”
When K9 Magazine asked the spokesperson to elaborate on whether this person was still employed buy UPS after the violent attack and what UPS’s policy or procedures were in relation to dogs, we were told “We won’t into any specifics on personnel matters and action that was taken. UPS trains drivers to be cautious when confronted by any dog and to protect themselves when threatened. Many of our drivers have long service on their routes and get to know canine friends. They are alert to unleashed dogs and any animals that may dart in the road or be aggressive as they approach a delivery. But the actions in this instance were inappropriate.”