2024 ADBA Scholarship Winner
Dallas Rogers of Fort Dodge, Iowa will be attending Western Governors University to pursue an MBA as the first step in his
business career as a manager. His plan is to work his way up and develop the skills and experience needed to become a factory or production manager for his current employer Nestle Purina Pet Care Co.
Dallas and his brother began showing and competing with the American Pit Bull Terrier in 2013 with his first dog Rogers’ Gucci. They traveled throughout the U.S. competing in Top Dog Athletic Events, eventually winning Top Dog at the ADBA Nationals in 2016. Dallas then acquired a few more dogs and campaigned his fist ADBA CH Miller’s Lil Red. Lil Red also participated in weight pull and Top Dog events. With the assistance of conformation judge, John Valaer, he bred his first ADBA champion, CH Rogers’ Doomsday. He is currently campaigning her daughter Rogers’ Marmalady which he hopes will be his 2nd bred by champion off his champion.
In the letter of recommendation from Nicolas Lemon, Production Supervisor at Nestle Purina Pet Care Company, Dallas is described as a person with an incredible work ethic, determination and attention to detail. Nicolas continues, “These attributes have made him an invaluable asset to the company we work for as well as to allow for the tremendous success that he has had with his American Pit Bull Terriers. His work ethic allows him to balance a full-time job while giving proper amounts of exercise and devotion his dogs require.”
Nicholas goes on to write, “Dallas most passionate pastime are his American Pit Bull Terriers. Some he has acquired from others who love the breed but also he has been fortunate enough to breed some of his own. Ten years ago, like many amateurs embarking into something new, Dallas was unsure of the rules and regulations surrounding the ADBA and how to navigate the training necessary to get his dogs to peak performance. However, with his determination and grit, he studied, observed and learned.
Still a student of the breed, Dallas has mastered the intricate process surrounding the care of his dogs. He spends time familiarizing himself with each of his dogs, understanding what makes each dog special and what their strengths are. With this knowledge, he prepares special activities tailored to each dog; activities that will allow each dog to achieve strength and exercise training. Dallas’ dogs are his passion, and he spends every day ensuring that they are the healthiest, strongest and happiest that they deserve to be.”
In response to our question concerning club and community leadership, Dallas relates, “I’ve helped with the Bulldog Haven APBTC of Iowa at their shows and many other events. I put on a treadmill race at the club show which I fully sponsored and brought my own treadmill for the club to use. I continue to show and compete with my dogs while trying to promote the breed in a positive light. At work, I am involved on the production floor continuously going to meetings to promote safely and a positive work environment.”
In conclusion, Dallas writes, “I believe I am an embodiment of the breed and the message the ADBA wishes to send and promote. This message is in reference to safe, responsible ownership of the breed. I am also using this scholarship to potentially get a better job and career with Nestle Purina Pet Care Company. My life for the past decade has revolved around dogs and trying to promote the positive attributes of the breed and the pet food I am involved in manufacturing. I am a firm believer in leaving the world and these dogs in a better, healthier position than I found them.”
