Haircuts For The Whittakers (Part 1)

Soft White Underbelly update with the Whittaker family of Odd, West Virginia.

#swu #softwhiteunderbelly #marklaita #documentary #whittakers #update #westvirginia #familyhistory #appalachia

[SoftWhiteUnderbelly]

Here’s an update on Jack, the Whittaker’s dog that was injured. Larry took Jack to a veterinarian in Beckley where his leg was amputated. The vet gave Jack antibiotics and pain medication. Larry tells me that Jack is now running around and happy like nothing ever happened.

[thehoundhavenfarm]

As the Humane Society Director for Raleigh County, we got an enormous amount of calls regarding the condition of the dog in the video. I just wanted to let everyone know that the dog is currently receiving vet care and will require amputation at the shoulder. For those concerned about the care of the animals, I can tell you that these folks care for their animals as well or better than most folks do, just were not equipped to deal with this particular issue. I personally have visited twice in the last week to make sure that the dog received treatment and can assure everyone that all of the other animals in the house are in great shape. We regularly provide them with pet food and will be keeping in touch with them to make sure that they don't end up in this situation again. I do know that Mr Laita has given them some money toward the dog's care and I have spoken with the vet personally because I wanted to make sure that Ray was able to get his dog back. Surgery is scheduled for today, as I understand it after speaking with family members and the vet. So many people have strong opinions on all of this, but I really want everyone to know that these folks really are beautiful human beings who love their animals and that we will be working with them to provide spay and neuter services as well as any future care their animals may need.

[allygallant]

I'm a speech-language pathologist :) Ray was saying "Chicken" and pointing when going in the fridge and freezer with Mark. Should look into an AAC device for him - visuals and augmentative communication could change his life - if he wanted it! Amazing to see the progress with the family from the first video - bless you Mark!

[charlotte_stevens]

For anyone concerned about the dog; Mark confirmed it was treated by a veterinarian ❤

Edit: some people have asked where this info can be confirmed; Mark personally replied to one of my early comments regarding the dog. He actually replied to several comments, you have to do some digging and scrolling around to find them (ugh, YT lol) but there's several out there. 😍👍😊

[aroundthecoast]

How can a group of strangers make you smile so much that you know they have touched your soul. Wonderful family.

[RadRedhead]

Almost cried when I heard a viewer came to visit and calls Betty every night. That’s beautiful. Thank you so much, Mark for all you do!

[michaelli]

Betty knowing all their birthdays by heart shows just how much she cares for them

[lankytor]

It’s not exploitation. It’s the actual truth and hopefully we get a better understanding. With kindness respect and compassion

[drewdennis]

Fricken LOVED having Ray hold the camera while you tied his shoes! You could just feel the pride he felt there! No matter how small, it's amazing to provide those moments to people, man.

[localfightforfreedom]

I knew that you couldn't leave that dog without any aid. The compassion you show is off the charts, Mark. God Bless

[natalie]

I love how the Whittaker family went from a spectacle to one of the most beloved families in the nation. Empathy changes lives!

[kellmarie]

Ray waving at random cars is the most wholesome thing in the world. Their smiles in the back seat are so sweet.

[kimfrazier]

Ray waving out the window and Lorraine smiling in the back…this made my day. You’ve seriously changed these people’s lives. It’s a beautiful thing.

[Jane-ntvy]

This must be what life really looks like. No hate, no anxiety, no depression... Just pure love.

[chazzy_g]

It's so amazing to see the transformation of this family from not trusting to having friends in Alabama, and all thanks to you

[haleyh.]

Betty helping Lorene with her hair pin was so touching. Betty is such a great sister and caretaker of her siblings.

[mortanicus]

Some of the most groundbreaking work SWU has ever documented. Mark has literally changed my perception of the Whittaker family and now I find them quite charming.

[AprilJM]

I am so impressed with how well they have progressed. You really helped them out and all the crowdfunding obviously has helped as well. They look very well-groomed compared to the first meeting. Their clothes were clean and nice. Thank you for what you're doing

[karenedmiston]

It's so cute the way the Whittakers behave. Lorraine took a liking to Lauren. Ray just loved looking out the car window. The commeradery between the Whittakers and Mark has become a beautiful thing.

[KyleJWest-vnkn]

One of the things I've noticed about Ray in these videos it that he understands what you have planned and is ready to go almost immediately. He's got his nice jacket on and early in the video you can see him standing by the door fiddling with the lock. He is ready to "lock the house" and go. Same with him getting his hairbrush while everyone was talking. He knows that he's getting a haircut and sees excited for the trip.