Karla Little has always loved animals but never imagined she would run her own business – a dog sitting service. Karla, who has intellectual disability, cerebral palsy and epilepsy, has been part of the WA NDIS in the Cockburn–Kwinana area for about a year when the My Way pilot began in the Spearwood area, where her very first independent bachelorette pad was located. Karla’s My Way Coordinator and service provider worked with her to help break her dreams into 12 goals. One of these goals was finding employment. Karla went to countless job service providers but could not see herself in any of these positions. Her dream job came to reality in 2015 with the support of NDIS and Life Without Barriers who helped her identify and built on her strengths and turned her love of animals into her very own dog sitting and walking business. She then drew up a flyer and advertised online and did a letter drop to attract customers to get her business up and going.“I never imagined I would own my own business - a dog sitting service. People say being around them brings me out of my shell, and I suppose they might be right”. Karla now has regular customers, who she walks through the week with support and also has regular customers, who she looks after when their owners go away for the weekend or on holiday. One of Karla’s clients provided a testimonial, recommending her services: “I was a little apprehensive leaving my dog for two weeks with anyone! I definitely felt more at ease knowing Karla would have Dim Sim inside for cuddles and comfort and be able to walk him twice a day.
“She would send me photos and videos most days, which always put a smile on my face to see him so happy and loved. "My next goal I’m currently in the process of achieving is obtaining my driver’s license so I can build on my growing business and be completely independent in my employment".
"In my “dream world” my average day would be to finish a days work. Go home and pick up my dog and drive my car to where my horse is agisted and have a ride. Honestly with the help of NDIS I can see myself getting there".
Karla Little Spearwood