POLK COUNTY, Fla. — This week's Everyday Heroes are working to end the stigma against pit bulls and all dogs labeled as “bully breeds.”

Angie Iorio and Shannon Medina started the Polk County Bully Project in Lakeland in 2019.

It’s a rescue organization finding homes for an often misunderstood breed.

“In reality the pit bull ranks number four with temperament testing of all breeds,” said Shannon Medina. “They rank above golden retriever, border collie, basset hound as far as their temperament.”

For Angie, her love began when she adopted two of them.

She says they opened her eyes to the breed and how kind and loving they were.

“And I started researching the breed and almost became a little obsessed with the breed and how the stigmatism of how horrible as many people believe they are and how wrong it is.

“Our shelter here is the number one kill shelter in the state of Florida and the fourth in the nation.”

Pit bulls are among the most killed breed.

The day the Ogden family was having a meet and greet with a potential new family member and it appeared to be going great.

All applicants are background checked and all dogs spayed or neutered and chipped. A community based and supported non-profit.

For Shannon and Angie the work, dedication and compassion never ends to find forever homes for these often misunderstood and loving good dogs.