Phillip Retuta's Blog

The Life and Times of a Filipino-American

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Coming Soon: Phillip & Nico.

PhillipAndNicoBlogSo I decided to open up an Etsy Shop (official launch in July). It will feature both handmade pet accessories and home goods; I figured that I should utilize my design skills, my desire to make tangible stuff, and my love of my dog into a singular hobby that I can share with the world at an oh-most-affordable price. Initially, I’m going to make dog bandanas and collars using fabric I find pretty cool and fashionable — essentially chic (in my eyes) patterns that have a young, New York or Los Angeles sensibility. Hell, after my freelance design stint at Macy’s fashion department, I’m trying to reestablish myself as someone “who works in the fashion industry” — albeit for dogs. Eventually, I want to transition into home accessories, like glassware and pillows, but with a sardonic “I’m a graphic designer” or “I’m in the creative tech industry” sense of humor.

So, sewing is pretty fucking easy:

I learned to sew with a simple needle and thread at a very early age, thanks to my mom. Between her earliest job as a work-from-home medical transcriber and a stay-at-home mother, she would mend clothes and sew in her free time. At age 4 or so, I watched her repair a shirt or pair of pants, and it was then that she taught me to sew by hand.

In 6th grade, my classmates and I took a home economics class as part of a rotating curriculum of lifestyle courses (art, shop, and computers were also included). It was there in home ec that I learned how to properly use a sewing machine. I remember our first project was to create a standard, square-shaped throw pillow, and I recall that my teacher Mrs. Schwartz applauded at such a fine looking pillow (for what it’s worth). I think I even kept that pillow throughout high school.

The pillow was a constant reminder to press the sewing machine pedal and stitch forward then backward to create a secure closure (a back-stitch).

I think with my most basic knowledge of operating a sewing machine, my aesthetic as a print and web designer, and my fascination with social media trends, I can probably profit a few bucks. Wish me luck.

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A Decade of Nico Doggerton.

nico_youngToday marked my 9-year anniversary of adopting Nico — my beloved Husky-Labrador mix — from the Humane Society in Urbana-Champaign, Illinois. Nico was approximately a year old when I got her, and I effectively made her adoption day her birthday.

To be alive for a decade… and to be a dog. Happy Birthday, Nico.

The circumstances of me adopting Nico were pathetic, if not wholly unspectacular: I came back to finish my senior year of undergrad after taking two semesters off. I was living by myself on campus and in a modest 1-bedroom duplex, and I admit I was incredibly lonely. Most of my good friends — my support system at the time, aside from my parents — had either already graduated or disappeared from my life, leaving me alone to complete my studies in quiet, anti-social solitude. At the time, I was recovering from a year-long bout of depression that resulted in the contemplation of suicide and a 3-month out-patient therapy stint. I was an emotional mess and being alone certainly did not help. Ever since returning to Urbana-Champaign towards the end of 2006, I knew I needed a companion, a best friend.

And so, on Presidents’ Day of 2007 and with the help of my veterinary student friend Dawn, I adopted a thin, timid dog originally named “Jasmine.” I’ve always wanted a Siberian Husky, what with the stunning eyes, perked ears, and the dual-colored coats. And it was Jasmine’s eyes that I noticed — what drew me to this particular creature was the stark blue eye and regular brown eye. Sure, she was shy, but I knew this dog was unique.

My cousin’s name is Jasmine, so I renamed her Nico. At the time, I’ve been really obsessed with The Velvet Underground, Andy Warhol, and the model/singer Nico who collaborated with them. I remember when I first took her out of the shelter: she started squat-walking, excitedly leaving behind her a trail of piss across the fresh snow. At first, she wouldn’t play with her toys or even pay attention to me; the shelter even noted that she was afraid of male humans. Still, it seemed she was just happy and curious to explore the world outside of the kennel. God knows how long she’s been in there.

On her first night, she cautiously slept on the floor. On the second night, she was comfortable enough to sleep on my bed, huddled like a furball by my feet. Since that day, Nico has always been by side: to graduating from Urbana-Champaign, to moving back home to Chicago, to moving to Jersey City to Williamsburg to Crown Heights, NYC. As dogs go, she’s a faithful companion and the most loyal friend to grace my side. It’s idealistic and foolish to think or hope, but here’s to another decade of this unconditional love.

I know people will say that I saved her. But fuck that; she saved me.