Puppy love

We hope you read the story in the Aug. 4 Southeast Missourian about Mac the 2-year-old pit bull and his owner Rochelle Steffen.

Mac had a rough start to life. Steffen, a volunteer at the Humane Society of Southeast Missouri, bought him from a seller when he was only 3 months old. Underweight and with several health issues, Steffen took him to the shelter for help and then fostered him in her home. Thanks to an online fundraising effort through Facebook, funds were raised to pay for his surgeries. Today he's a happy and healthy dog.

The story doesn't end. Mac's Facebook page now serves as a fundraising mechanism to benefit other pit pulls. Dogs across the country have been helped. Steffen said more than $5,000 has been raised and all proceeds after expenses go to the animals.

These creatures sometimes get a bad rap, so it's good to hear stories such as this of hope, love and compassion. Like the many others with a heart for helping animals, Steffen is to be commended for her efforts.

To learn more about Mac and his fund, visit facebook.com/macthepitbull or call Steffen at 275-7039.