ADBA Interview with Ernie Sims by Heather Devito
Heather: How old were you when you began playing football?
Ernie: When I first started playing football, I was 11 years old. I never got the chance to play flag football, so I went straight into playing tackle football.
Heather: As you grew up, was football your favorite sport or did you have others that you enjoyed playing?
Ernie: Football has always been my favorite sport and it has run in my family for years. I also enjoyed track and field because it always helped me excel in football with my speed. I’ve tried different sports such as baseball, soccer, and basketball but I quickly realized that I was simply too physical to play those sports.
Heather: The NFL hasn’t had much positive publicity lately on players who’ve owned APBT’s. How do you plan on using your love of the breed to change that?
Ernie: Although the NFL hasn’t had positive publicity about APBT’s, I’m working with Cheryl Caragan to change people’s perspective about this breed. I have also been working with my team’s PR department trying to bring positive light to this breed such as putting a couple of my dogs in pet calendars. I’m willing to do whatever it takes to fight for this breed and get people to understand APBT’s.
Heather: You seem to be very close and dedicated to your family/parents. Do they enjoy your dogs? Who cares for your animals during the NFL season?
Ernie: I’m very close to my family especially my parents because they have raised and made me the person I am today. My family and I spend lots of time together and they also love spending time with my dogs. I keep a couple of my dogs up in Detroit with me during the season while my father takes care of my other dogs back home.
Heather: I saw on your website that you host charity events. How would you feel about hosting a charity event and having all of the proceeds go to help fight against BSL?
Ernie: I’m glad that you asked because I plan on hosting a charity event next year during my celebrity weekend.
Heather: After football, are your plans still to become a veterinarian?
Ernie: I definitely plan on going back to school to get my veterinarian degree. Football won’t last forever and I believe that this is what my heart wants do.
Heather: I read that you have 5 dogs, snakes, lizards and even spiders as pets. When did you develop a love for animals and what sparked your interest in the APBT?
Ernie: I have always been a lover of animals. As a young child, I would go outside and collect lizards, frogs, snakes, turtles, and even ants in pickle jars. My father bought me my first tarantula when I was 10 yrs old while my mother was out of town. Of course, she wasn’t happy about that and didn’t come in my room for a long time which was kinda nice. I have always had dogs in my family growing up but I got my first APBT when I was a freshman in college. My first time I saw him I fell in love with him and now 5 yrs later he is like a son to me.
Heather: What traits of the APBT drew you to this breed?
Ernie: APBTs have a special personality that touch my heart. When I think of an APBT, I see an extremely athletic dog with a huge heart and no quit in them. Dogs that are loyal to their owners and willing to do anything to please them.
Heather: Are your dogs being shown in ADBSI sanctioned events?
Ernie: Cheryl Caragan and I have been working together showing my dogs and have had a lot of success with that. I’m very excited about what we have accomplished and look forward to doing more.
I would like to say a special thank you to Ernie Sims for his time and for allowing me to conduct this interview and wish him the best of luck in the upcoming year! I would also like to thank his mom, Alice Sims, and Cheryl Caragan for their help and for supplying the photos. If you would like more information regarding Ernie Sims, his fundraising organizations, or his Celebrity Weekend this July in Tallahassee, FL please visit the website: www.erniesims50.com
– Heather DeVito
Tags: ADBA ernie sims interview, american pit bull terriers, Florida American Pit Bull Terrier, heather devito