About Us

Cindy Holliday, Director ADAPT4DSM Retired VA employee with 40 years government service, sat on 2 national committees developing policies to improve the care to veterans. Continue to work at the VA Medical Center in Des Moines. West Des Moines resident only because of the “vicious” dog title given to all pit bulls or dogs resembling pit bulls, therefore Des Moines loses taxes! I am the proud owner of an APBT, he is neutered, microchipped, up to date on his vaccines, has successfully completed Levels I-II obedience, is CGC certified, an ambassador blood donor at the emergency animal clinic in DSM, represented his breed at a “Meet-The-Breed” event in Des Moines and is frequently used to socialize new puppies, insecure dogs, and new owners. I have a 6′ privacy fence and am compliant with all Des Moines restrictions BUT he is not classified as vicious in WDM! I carry liability insurance, I am a responsible owner. I was asked to get involved in fighting the proposed breed ban in Des Moines and agreed to do this as long as I wasn’t restricted by other organizations. I have been involved with BSL for several years and found it does NOT work. I became involved 7/15/09, the history of this journey is told on this website, I haven’t looked back since. I feel Des Moines has the ability to become a national model city for responsible dog owners, that is my goal. My plan is outlined on this website. Together with our leadership team we have organized a group of Des Moines citizen and surrounding community residents to make this goal a reality, it will take the combined efforts of citizens, business owners, professionals, and city officials to make this a win-win situation. Are the city officials able to work with the public, that is the question.
Bo: My heart…	Bailey
*Nick*
Kimberly Cass-Dewey, Project Manager ADAPT4DSMSadie and Taurus, two adorable rescues, share the Cass-Dewey home in Des Moines. Kim is a project manager for a large payroll and benefit provider. A strong believer in responsible pet ownership and education, Kim’s focus is on helping others learn about the existing ordinances and the slippery slope of supporting breed-specific bans. Kim frequently spends time each weekend at the girls’ favorite spot – Rover’s Ranch – a private dog park, boarding, and training center in Runnells, IA. Taurus and Sadie

Brandon & Camille Roth, Program Leaders ADAPT4DSM Brandon and Camille are loving parents of four of the four-legged variety; they are animal lovers and advocates of pet rescue, adoption, and halting the practice of breed discrimination. They are owners of Scooper Troopers pet waste removal. They started their business over 3 years ago to take away the most un-enjoyable part of dog ownership. Many of you may have met Cash (left), their brindle Pit Bull, at public events such as The Great Iowa Pet Expo. As part owners of one of the largest boarding & daycare facilities in America, Brandon and Camille also helped develop the concept for The Pet Ranch in Olathe, KS, an animal boarding and daycare facility that includes a 13-acre dog park. They turned their focus and efforts on formulating an organized, secure, and fun facility for all pets to enjoy.
Roxsy, Chopper and Cash


Steph Fitzsimmons, Web & Graphic Designer ADAPT4DSMSteph lives in Des Moines with a lovable pack of rescued canine mutts. When not busy keeping her dogs exercised and entertained, she works as an Imaging Specialist for Gannett and paints dog art. Steph has been actively involved with assisting breed rescue groups and shelters since adopting her first two dogs in 2002. She has a special interest in misunderstood dogs and dog breeds and is devoted to helping create better dog owners and eliminatating fear and misunderstanding.
12 Muddy Paws: Takoda, Vegas and Catori