CAT TRAINING & BEHAVIOR
Elmbrook Humane Society (EBHS) is a Force Free Facility, what does that mean exactly? Force Free is the type of training we use that takes into account the emotions and feelings of animals along with the science of how animals learn. We do not employ pain, startling techniques, fear, or anything the dog perceives as negative tools to train the cats in our care or in classes. To learn more about Force Free, click here.
CLASSES, SEMINARS, AND WORKSHOPS
The Right Start Seminar — Cats
Whether you’re a new cat owner or you’ve had cats for 10+ years, Rena McCormack, Elmbrook Humane Society’s Cat Behavior Lead, teaches how to read cat body language, introductions to other pets, feeding, play, mental stimulation, and more! The Right Start Seminar is a 60 minute online class that is $35.00 or free to EBHS Adopters. Click on dates to learn more and register today!
MEET OUR TEAM AND TESTIMONIALS
Meet Our Team
Rena McCormack
Cat Behavior Lead
Rena graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee with a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences. From a young age helping animals has been a passion of Rena’s; throughout the years, Rena’s jobs have had a focus on caring for animals, which ultimately brought her to EBHS. While Rena loves all animals, she holds a special place in her heart especially for cats. Because of this passion, Rena volunteered at EBHS as a cat socializer for four years before joining the behavior and counseling teams. In her free time, Rena enjoys reading and taking pictures, with her best models being her two cats. One of Rena’s favorite quotes is by the author Dean Koontz- “No one can grant you happiness. Happiness is a choice we all have the power to make.”
Shelby Adkins
Cat Behavior Team
Shelby volunteered for about two years as a cat socializer at EBHS before she became part of the team. Before this she worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant at an Assisted Living facility for seven years. She loved taking care of the elderly almost as much as they loved her. As hard as it was to leave, she decided to change her path and help animals and people as an Animal Caregiver. She has always loved animals since she was a little girl and her aunt always told her she’ll either be helping animals or people. Shelby hopes for a program that she can help out with that includes animals and the elderly as it is very therapeutic to them. During her free time, she loves to be at home with her two cats, Callie and Tweet who were adopted from EBHS, visiting her past residents, camping, being around family, and enjoying life as it is. Shelby’s favorite quote is advice from her father, “If it scares you or it’s out of your comfort zone, do it anyways, it will almost always be the change you needed”