Meet Jen Biglan
Dignified Pet Services presents 'People in the Neighborhood'
Jennifer Biglan begins every day with her coffee fix. “I need a vanilla latte to start my day, every day. I admit I am addicted,” she laughs.
“I have a favorite place here in Eugene, Espresso House, where I like to hang out, drink coffee and do my work. The staff is friendly, the coffee is good, it’s comfortable and they have free-Wi-Fi.”
Jennifer loves working with dogs and families, saying, “I get to help them build relationships. It’s the happy part of what I do. I co-own Training Spot with my business partner and friend, Tera Dschaak-James, and together we share a passion for teaching, learning and helping dog owners with behavior counseling, puppy training and relationship building. We are Certified Professional Dog Trainers who specialize in animal behavior.”
“The funny thing is,” Jennifer continues, I wanted to be a veterinarian when I was a kid, but after taking a one-day vet training course I knew I could not handle the blood and the sad stuff associated with working with animals in need. I love teaching and I feel fortunate I can work with animals and families and help them.” Jennifer graduated from U of O with a major in Spanish and a minor in Planning, Public Policy and Management.
With three dogs, three cats, two goldfish, two children (ages 7 and 5), and a husband to care for, this busy professional savors every moment of family time she can.
“It is so important to me to be a good mom,” Jennifer says. “I want to be there for them and with them. Focusing my time just with them is so meaningful. Right now we have a nightly ritual where we read together. We are reading The Chronicles of Narnia, and it’s so special to be able to curl up together every night and share that quiet time.”
With little free time to relax, this busy lady finds time for running, hiking, and time with friends. Camping with her family is also a fun summertime weekend activity, and one they all enjoy.
A lifelong athlete, Jennifer somehow finds time for this as well. “I played volleyball in high school and was also on the softball team that won state my senior year. I was on the crew team my first year of college, which I spent at OSU before I transferred to U of O. A skiing accident in college and then another injury in a volleyball game led to two separate knee surgeries on the same leg. Surprisingly enough the doctor told me to start running on it after the second surgery. I took his advice and have been running ever since.”
Jennifer also grew up riding horses. Every summer she visited her grandparents in Arizona, where she would ride and barrel-race horses all summer. “I started going all alone at the age of three, which was kind of a big deal as I was so young to travel alone.”
And the shoe that is so her? “A Saltwater Sandal,” she says, “tan in color, casual and comfortable,” and the perfect fit for her active lifestyle.
“People might be surprised to know that Pit Bulls are one of my favorite dog breeds. I have done a lot of fostering with the breed and they are so loving, smart, devoted and snuggly. We have a rescue Staffordshire-Bull Terrier, Bear, who is a great family dog.”
With so much going on, what’s a girl like Jennifer dream of for the future? “I don’t really have a bucket list,” she says, “but more a list of goals and personal values of how I want to live my life. I want to live each day to the fullest. Be mindful and present. To be a good mom, wife and friend, and to really just enjoy life — that’s it.”
About our Sponsor
Dignified Pet Services has served the Portland-area community for 13 years. In addition to their core business of cremation and memorial services, Dignified co-sponsors the beloved annual Service of Remembrance at The Old Church in downtown Portland, as well as serving as wonderful supporters and friends of pets and those working in animal welfare. Proprietors Michael, Randy and Avani live in Sherwood.
Melinda Thompson is a freelance writer with a degree in Speech Communications and a coveted "Ducktorate" from the Walt Disney World Company. She has been featured in many local magazines and newspapers. She lives in Vancouver USA with her husband, son and daughter.