Making a ‘paw-sitive’ difference: Why 11-year-old Isla Osmond makes dog treats

Isla Osmond is a young entrepreneur, determined to make a difference. Read how she’s doing it below.

Isla is the founder of her own 'barkery'.

At just 11 years old, Isla Osmond has opened her own business, a ‘”bakery”.

Isla began making and selling dog treats to raise money for donations to the Gladstone Animal Rescue group.

The idea came about after Isla decided she wanted to volunteer with the Gladstone Animal Rescue, but was too young to be part of the program.

Determined to help, Isla began making dog treats to sell on Facebook, with most of the proceeds going straight into the shelter.

“A barkery is like a bakery, but for dogs instead of people,” Isla said.

Isla’s mum, Sam Osmond, said while she sometimes finds the shelter confronting, Isla fits right in.

Isla is the founder of her own 'barkery'. Picture: Facebook.

“I find the shelter very emotional and heartwrenching, but Isla is at peace there,” Ms Osmond said.

“She is in her happy place and sees the potential in all dogs and not their disadvantages… she wants to help them to trust humans again.”

Isla said while she loves all animals, she feels a special connection with dogs, including her two at-home taste testers, Lexi and Luna.

“Dogs are so sweet… they just give you all their love,” she said.

“It breaks my heart that people can abandon them; I want to help them find homes.”

While Isla mainly sells her treats to the Gladstone Animal Rescue group, she has also set up stalls at local markets and has shipped treats all over the country.

Isla said becoming a volunteer was the best place to start for those wanting to make a difference.

“If anyone wants to help, the shelter is looking for volunteers,” she said.

“They need people to walk dogs, clean, help around the shelter, and adopt foster dogs into new homes.

“The more dogs we can foster, the more we can save.”