Here's a little about me
Here's a little about me
"Egg" is an old family nickname for the Eggleston clan. Some are also called "Egghead", but I tend to think this relates more to some of those brainy-types and I don't qualify for that. It also seems to focus a bit more on the ol' bald head, so I just prefer "Egg". The first name is Doug and I'll answer to that just as fast!
I am currently single and 47 years of age. I did marry when I was 25, but it didn't take. We divorced within a year!
I am a Herpetoculturist, lecturer and free-lance researcher/writer. I formed my own company in 1992, which I call BACK COUNTRY INSTITUTE, (check out the link for more information).
My primary herp interest is snakes. Yep, I'm wierd! I started working with these fascinating critters about 14 years ago and have developed a real passion for studying and breeding them. I currently maintain around 50 Snakes, 1 Box Turtle and 1 Inland Bearded Dragon. Some of these animals are utilized in the educational programs I offer. All are studied for behaviors and I often learn a lot of new things about these creatures just through such observations. None of these creatures are considered my personal pets. None of them will "fetch", "beg" or do other stupid pet tricks. I believe they are far too intellegent for such as that. I do also study some of the herpetofauna of Virginia and attempt to dispell many of the myths that surround these creatures through my programs and writings.
My interest in herps began in 1984 or 1985 when I was working at a pet shop. They began selling herps and I had to learn about them to do my job well. My interests in animals prior to that time had been varied, but with a strong emphasis on exotic birds. In 1985 I, along with two partners, opened a new pet shop... PETS PLUS, Ltd., in Lynchburg, VA. I ran the retail operations of this business for around two years and retired due to some health problems,(old age...bad back).
Prior to my career in the pet industry, I had been employed as a Juvinile Probations Councilor and had worked with the Y.M.C.A. in various program positions. During my life I have worked at a Drive-In movie theater, pumped gas at a service station, worked in a small grocery store and in large industrial factories, been a lifeguard at a pool, sold vacumn cleaners while in college and was a "Maintenance Engineer" for a hotel chain. I was just starting my own Landscape design company when I injured my back and had to give that career up.
My education has been varied as well. I graduated High School in 1971 after my teachers just got fed up with me and sent me on my way. I did not get serious about my education until I had worked for 6 months in a pipe manufacturing plant and realized that I didn't want to spend my life doing that! I began college studying Law Enforcement, changed my major to Religion and then to Marketing and Management. Unfortunately, I have yet to earn a degree in any of these fields.
In 1989 I talked a Veterinarian
friend of mine into joining me in putting on a herp seminar that
was opened to the public Free of charge. This was to be an
introduction to captive herp husbandry and the springboard to one
of my biggest social passions. In 1990, I along with seven other
herp enthusiasts met and formed the BLUE RIDGE HERPETOLOGICAL
SOCIETY. I had been active in the Virginia Herp. Society for a
couple of years, but felt that the herpetocultural community was
not being served as well by that organization and wanted to get
involved with a local group dedicated to sharing their interests.
I have acted as the President, Secretary, Chair of a number of
committees and as the Editor of the BRHS newsletter. I am
currently the President and Co-Editor of the newsletter.
Proud Member of these organizations:
I formed the VIRGINIA HERPETOCULTURISTS ALLIANCE in 1997 along with 4 other small breeding operators to offer a better marketing opportunity for each of us. We have participated in a number of Reptile Expos together since this time and continue to share ideas, information and animals in a cooperative effort.
Although many folks may debate this, I don't concentrate all of my attention or energy on just herp-related things. I am an Elder in my church and on the Youth Committee there. For the past 2 years I have been very active in volunteer work with the American Red Cross Blood Services in Lynchburg, VA too. I am on the Plateletpheresis Recruiter's Team, the Past Vice-Chair of the Lynchburg Plateletpheresis Committee and have worked at numerous Blood Drives as a "Donor Aid", "Canteen Worker" and as a "Sealer" in the Community Donors Center. I am a regular platelet donor and usually will donate whole blood 3 - 4 times a year. *(I have my Best Friend to thank for getting me started in this volunteer work. She was an inspiration to me in her dedication to donate whole blood and platelets and the rest just sort of fell into place.) I recently signed on with the ARC as their "Afterhours Emergency Services Caseworker" and am a part-time employee in that position now. I handle calls after the office closes on weekdays and all weekend from family members of service people to arrange emergency leave of duty and in disaster calls to arrange for motel rooms for fire victims, etc.
O.K., so that was probably a little more about me than you wanted to know. Enough about me! How about you going to my Guestbook and telling me something about you?
Wanna see some pix? Okay ....you asked for it!!
Me with....
And without....
This page hosted by
