Lily Sopris spent her next to last day at the Hotel Monaco on Wednesday much like all her other days: greeting guests, inspecting corridors, sitting quietly at the concierge desk, and, for a few frenetic minutes, chasing a bouncing red balloon all over the lobby.

Such is the life of Lily, as the 18-pound white and caramel brown Jack Russell terrier wraps up a six-year career as mascot and director of pet relations at the downtown hotel.

"She's definitely been one of the best parts about working here," said Beth Johnston, Lily's co-worker, occasional chauffeur and director of sales at the Monaco. "I'm going to miss her so much. It's amazing what a calming effect she has."

Lily has always had the run of the hotel, wandering wherever she feels like going, sometimes even inserting herself into the middle of a stressful business meeting, Johnston said.

"And no matter what the situation is, you'll look up and see this Jack Russell with the big brown eyes looking at you, saying, 'Hi! How are you? How's it going?' "

Lily got her start in the hospitality business when her owner, Caroline Czirr, the hotel's former sales director, began bringing her pet to work when Lily was just a puppy. She had good references. Lily's mom belonged to actor Don Johnson and his wife.

At the hotel that prides itself on being pet-friendly - guests can request a goldfish bowl for their room, and dogs get their own bed and a treat at night - Lily was a natural.

In fact, five of the other hotels in the Kimpton Hotel chain now have a pet relations director - but none quite like Lily.

In her time, Lily has cavorted with several of the hotel's better- known guests, including musicians Grace Slick, Snoop Dogg and Bonnie Raitt.

John Lindsay, who was visiting his boss at the hotel Wednesday, stopped to pet Lily on the head. Lindsay said that when his mom's dog died, he sent her a picture of Lily to cheer her up.

"She's just a wonderful fixture and an icon of the hotel," said Alan Paty, the hotel's general manager.

Paty said Lily is doing fine, that she's stepping down on her own.

"Lily has decided she's ready for a little alone time," Paty said. "She wants to spend some time with her relatives in Aspen."

This afternoon, the hotel plans to hold a party in Lily's honor. They'll also announce their new director of pet relations. Paty would not mention any names, but said the hotel had put out an RFP - a request for pooches -for the position.

The new director will have some big paws to fill. As Johnston put it, "This is Lily's hotel. We're all just fortunate to work with her."

Lily Sopris résumé

• Born: July 4, 2000, in Aspen

• Mother's name: Frances Bean

• Weight: 18 pounds

• Color: White and caramel brown

Experience

• Mascot and director of pet relations

Hotel Monaco, 1717 Champa St., Denver,

September 2000 to February 2007.

• Reason for leaving job: to spend quality time with mom at actor Don Johnson's place.

Accomplishments

• Served as lucky charm to Colorado Avalanche during the team's successful bid for the Stanley Cup in 2001. Each player would pet me before each game during his stay at the hotel.

• Marched in the AIDS Walk in Denver for several years.

• Attended various corporate board meetings, weddings, etc.

Special talents

• Keeping balloons in the air

• Sunning myself while lounging on bell carts

• Chasing bubbles

References

• Grace Slick, Dan Hinote, Snoop Dogg and Bonnie Raitt.

ensslinj@RockyMountainNews.com or 303-954-5291

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