New York designer, Peter McGrattan, calls his –year-old mixed-breed rescue dog, Roxanne, his « baby ». He has designed his Lower East Side apartment which he calls a mix of casual, elegant and funky, to suit both his lifestyle and the needs of his precious pooch.
“I took the space,” says McGrattan, “because I had to have enough room for her and for me – and she usually comes first.” According to McGrattan, Roxanne has free range in his home and alterations were made to suit his pet’s needs. “I made the bed higher,” McGrattan sats, “because Roxanne likes to hide under there during thunder and lightning storms. It’s her home.” Mirrors are also strategically placed in the apartment to allow the German Sheperd, Doberman mix to cast glances at herself when idling around the house.
McGrattan found Roxanne at the ASPCA 8.5 years ago. She had been abandoned and tied to a lamp post in Madison Square Park before moving to the shelter. “When I turned 35 I decided that I was finally mature and responsible enough to own a dog,’ says McGrattan. He went to the ASPCA to find his “pet mate” knowing that there are many unwanted dogs in the world and hopping to save one lucky pup.
“When I took her out she was the only one who sat down quietly next to me,” says McGrattan. “It was almost as ih she was saying , ‘I’m happy to be here with you – don’t put me back in the cage.”
He didn’t. McGrattan brought her home and the designer and his “baby” have been happy together ever since.
