How would your pup like to lounge on a purple mohair dog-bed shaped like a bone and created by Arthur McLaughlin & Associate? Perhaps he would prefer a “Ruff Lauren” pooch sleeper sofa with color coordinated woven printed fabric and drawers for grooming accessories designed by M. Sandoval Architects. These were just some of the amazing furniture designs auctioned off at Petchtitecture 2000, an annual fundraising event sponsored by Pets Are Wonderful Support (PAWS) in San Francisco, CA.
A non-profit organization, PAWS has served the needs of low-income pet lovers living with AIDS or the HIV virus since 1987. PAWS clients coping with health concerns, loss of employment, and even issues surrounding support from family and friends find that animals can become a very important part of their lives, providing them with much needed emotional support.
Staff and volunteer of PAWS are dedicated to ensuring that their clients are able to keep their beloved pets. PAWS services include animal food banks, subsidized veterinary care, dog walking, litter box maintenance, grooming, foster care, and adoption when necessary. PAWS also provides education about the benefits and risks of animal companionship to the medical and veterinary community.
The fifth annual Petchitecture event was held at the San Francisco Design Center Galleria on March 31st, 2000. The flagship fundraiser for PAWS, Petchitecture featured the Bay Area’s most prominent architects and designers who partnered with celebrities and pet parents to create the purr-fect palaces for dogs, cats and birds. The amazing designs were acutionned off to lucky winners and their even luckier pets.
Joseph Hsu Architects created “Mine,” a 12” Asian inspired food and beverage station for culinary canines who refuse to be relegated to the corners of the kitchen.
Gensler designed “Classie’s Reading Chair,” for the San Francisco Chronicle’s classified advertising section’s mascot, Classie. The design will serve as her mobile office as she travels around the city spreading the word about resources in the classifieds and as a sanctuary for the weary pup.
Joe Boxer Corporation unveiled its “Bachelor Pad 2000,” with plush accommodations and a stereo system that would have man any man envious.
Smithgroup, Inc., designed “Snoopy’s Dog House,” an interactive Snoopy sculpture that includes a white dog house and pull-out, Plexiglas drawings of “Peanuts” characters. Created in honor of the late Charles Schultz, the Snoopy pad would have made any dog want to spend all day at home.
Dogs couldn’t resist the “Banana Cabana,” sponsored by Banana Republic. It featured a retractable sun shade cover made of Banana Republic Premium Chino fabric, and pull-out trays for food and water bowls. Todd Oldham’s “Lucky Dog Bed” was a fashion forward nocturnal dream come true for the luxury seeking dog set. Fashioned of wood and metal, the bed featured tail-shaped legs and came complete with a fake fur T-shirt and a toy chest.
Petchitecture 2000 attracted 1,000 people and more than 500 four-legged companions. All 18 habitats designed for the event were sold at the live auction, raising $65,000 for PAWS and the people and pets they serve.
By Deborah Kim
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