L-O-V-E.

This is not a tale of debauched lust, but rather of love pure and unconditional, of brag-to-your-friends, share-an-ice-cream-cone, long-evening-walks, big-wet-kisses, baby-talking, I-can't-stand-to-be-without-you-for-a-day love.

We can call it "puppy love," but an increasing number of high-class, upscale hotels and resorts are calling it "money, baby." The competition is hot for the pet-loving traveler's dollar.

Dogs rule, although cats, birds and other exotics often travel with their owners. From Rosewood's Las Ventanas al Paraiso in Los Cabos, Mexico, to Loews Le Concorde in Quebec City, Canada, hotels across the Americas are providing amenities and services fit for a dog, promoting the programs with names such as "Bone Appetit" and "Pet Purrrrks."

The hotels offering these services range from the downright old-school stuffy to the upscale young and funky, from AAA Five-Diamond seaside spa resorts to elegant mountain ski inns.

"Pet Point" Massage

Chicago's House of Blues is initiating "Yappy Hour." Miami's Ocean Point Resort and Club in Sunny Isles Beach has its "Pet Point" program-where not only can you secure a doggie nanny, but also spa services for Fido and Fluffy (15-minute massage, $30). Somehow, managers at many of these hotels and resorts have persuaded their world-renowned, five-star chefs to get into the act, offering doggie delectables on room-service menus. Aspen's Hotel Jerome has a special "In-Room Dining Gourmet Menu" for dogs, which includes "Canine Confections served in a stylish black box with 12 assorted gourmet treats wrapped in gold foil; Mr. Biscuit Gourmet Bagels and Pupperoni pizza."

What fun! And it's about time.

For years, the Ritz-Carlton and Four Seasons groups have discreetly allowed guests to check in with dogs, but the hotels have no pampering programs. "We do have cute pet beds and food dishes," says Shae Geary, director of public relations for the Four Seasons Resort Aviara in Carlsbad, California. "With the beach nearby, and the acres of grounds to roam, this resort is perfect for the guest who wants to bring his small dog."

Compare that to Portland, Oregon's venerable Benson Hotel, or the Inn of the Anasazi in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where dogs aren't just an acceptable adjunct to the well-heeled guest. At the Benson, a city-center historic hotel, canine guests are served their food and water in silver dishes, provided with plush dog beds and can reserve walking services with the bellman. At the Inn of the Anasazi, a 59-room luxury boutique hotel in Santa Fe's plaza district, pooches can doze in front of the kiva fireplace in each guestroom or stay behind the front desk with the staff while the guest goes shopping or sight-seeing.

The trend is everywhere.

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