In The News
To quote from Ralph W. Gerard, an American neurophysiologist and behavioral scientist, “No age or time of life, no position or circumstance, has a monopoly on success. Any age is the right age to start doing!” Like Dr. Gerard, success and major accomplishments can occur later in life for some, and you should not allow your age to limit yourself in fulfilling your calling. Animal Behavior College’s (ABC) graduate, Camille Re, can attest to this!
Ms. Re has spent most of her life as a stay-at-home mom with her four children, one of whom has special needs. With her children being her number one priority, she had not worked a job outside of being a mom in over 30 years. She found her identity in this role, but now that her children are grown adults, she wondered if it was too late to pursue her dream of working with animals and giving back to her community.
Then a tragedy occurred when the pandemic hit and Ms. Re, unfortunately, fell ill and was hospitalized with Covid. She had complications and was afraid she would never return home. Thankfully, Ms. Re was able to pull through and recovered. It was then she realized some important life changes were necessary.
She came back home and got started on making those life-changing decisions. Some of these changes involved health-related issues, eating better, being more physically active and losing weight. Others involved Ms. Re’s taking steps to ensure her dream of giving back and working with animals would come true. As all of us know, consistency is key to changing patterns and behavior. While not always easy, Camille stuck with the promises she made to herself and not only dramatically improved her health but also enrolled in ABC’s Cat Management and Training Program.
When asked why she chose the Cat Management and Training Program over the other courses, Ms. Re stated, “I have always loved cats and dogs, but there are so many dog trainers, and I did not want to be in constant competition. Initially, I did not see a large career path for it and did not see a lot of cat trainers in my area. So, I knew it was going to be a challenge but took it as an opportunity to pioneer it in my county.” Pioneering a career path is exactly what she did.
Starting Her Own Cat Training Business
Shortly after graduating, she started her own business with the great name of HelpMeowt. Camille offers in-home training and counselling on feline behavior. She gradually built a clientele, but things drastically changed when she had to take one of her cats to the vet at The Animal Hospital of Sussex County.
While giving background information to the veterinary hospital, she mentioned being a Certified Cat Trainer which caught the attention of the Veterinarian. The doctor was intrigued, which led to an opportunity for Camille to come work at the hospital. As it turned out this hospital was in need of someone who could help with cat behavior and training and were ecstatic to finally meet someone who had knowledge and training to help meet their needs.
Ms. Re took a position at the hospital as their Certified Feline Behaviorist. She has her own office and travels all over the area to help kitty parents with their challenges. In addition, Ms. Re conducts training programs for her clients, maintains her business, and still is available to volunteer at local shelters. Ms. Re assists her daughter, Carmella Re-Siguria, with her business in breeding British Shorthair cats and raising their Bernese Mountain Dogs. Camille loves being around both cats and dogs.
Not only does Camille Re feel more positively about her life after the changes she made, but she also believes that her choices “made me more independent and allowed me to be seen as an impactful person in my community.” Plus, she is now in a position to help cats and the people who love them enjoy better lives together.
Introducing The Certified Cat Trainer
In today’s hectic world, it is comforting to know that therapy animals are available to lessen the stresses of life.
Camille Re of Newton is a certified feline behaviorist and owner of HELPMEOWT, which offers consultations and educational seminars.
Recently, she held a pet therapy session for members of the Glenwood-Pochuck Volunteer Ambulance Squad and members of Atlantic Mobile Health.
In attendance was Re’s 17-pound and growing, almost 1-year-old Maine Coon cat named Mutzzie.
The super fluffy cat was certified as a therapy pet by Creature Comforts Pet Therapy of Madison.
After acing the training and testing, Mutzzie visit hospitals, nursing homes and libraries throughout the area, bringing joy and comfort to many.
According to Re, the cat enjoys his pet therapy gig and so do the recipients.
“Older folks love Mutzzie. One older gentleman loves lions, and to him, Mutzzie fits the bill. Even the doctors make sure they visit with the fluffy white feline,” she said.
Pet visitations have been shown to help lower blood pressure, create a calming atmosphere, and activate thought and speech processes.
“Not only does Mutzzie love petting, he adores snuggling and belly rubs,” Re said.
He also scores with his adorable tricks, such as shaking “hands,” fist- pumping and, his best, ringing the bell.
He learned them all in about one week, Re said, adding that cats can learn tricks through repetition just as dogs do.
For information about Re’s behavioral consultations or pet therapy visits, go online to www.HelpMeowtCFB.com or call 862-812-0639.
For information about pet therapy certification, call Creature Comforts Pet Therapy at 973-285-9083.
Camille Re’s motto: “Cats are not just pets, they’re family.”
Combining that with her intense love of animals, she has become the first certified feline behaviorist in Sussex County.
Re works at the Animal Hospital of Sussex County in Newton.
She graduated from the Animal Behavior College, then was certified as a feline behaviorist and trainer. She also is certified in pet massage, first aid, and pet nutrition and diet.
A cat and dog owner for more than 40 years, Re has been involved with shelter cats; rescue, trap and release efforts; cat shows; and feline rescue organizations.
Contrary to what most people believe, cats can be trained, she said. They can be taught to sit and lie down, but more importantly, they can be trained by rewarding them with treats or praise.
“Negative reinforcement, like hitting, screaming at or use of a water bottle, is a no-no.”
According to Re, cats don’t learn the same way that dogs do. Dogs aim to please their owners. While cats do please their owners, they mostly please themselves.
She provides behavioral consultations in counter jumping, aggression, destructive scratching, biting, multiple house cat problems, compulsive behaviors and other problems.
She also plans to hold clinics for families on how to select their “purrfect” feline friend.
Another clinic will help parents teach their children dos and don’ts and basic rules of caring for their new cat. Re will assist with the “catification” of homes, discussing litter boxes, toys, carriers and the importance of playtime.
“Cats are therapeutic; it’s a fact that petting a cat will lower blood pressure significantly,” she explained.
“I think I have the coolest job in the world,” she added.
For information, contact Re at 862-812-0639 or send email to HelpMeowtCFB@gmail.com
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