If you're a dog lover, this story will rip your heart apart. Georgie Mac, the darling 7-pound golden Shih Tzu I told you about last week who took over as director of pet relations at the Hotel Monaco, died Tuesday during a routine medical procedure in Fort Collins. A necropsy to determine the cause of death is under way.

"It's way too soon to think of a new director of pet relations, as the Monaco family is grieving the loss of Georgie," said Hotel Monaco spokesperson Cathy Kruzic. "The hotel remains committed to entertaining pets and intends to introduce a new pooch in this position at a later date."

Georgie's owner, Kevin Siegrist, who works for the hotel and the restaurant Panzano, was not available for comment. Georgie had replaced Lily, a Jack Russell terrier, at the hotel.

Georgie, whom I met last Thursday, was possibly the cutest, sweetest, best-behaved doggie I had ever met (and that's saying a lot, considering I have two darling dogs of my own).

Kruzic said interested parties are encouraged to donate to animalcarefoundation.com or any other animal shelter in Georgie's name.

HAIR AFFAIR: During her 29 years in the Denver hair biz, salon owner Janet Lombardi knows that no matter how famous or well-connected a certain head of hair is, all egos are equal when they are wet and wrapped in a towel.

Lombardi, owner of Shear Productions Salons on the 16th Street Mall and Belmar, said Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi was no exception when her head was wet and wrapped last Saturday at the salon.

"I had 45 minutes to curl the locks and send her on her way to all her appearances in Denver," Lombardi said. "She is a delightful and charming woman and very happy to see our city get the Democratic Convention."

The stylist and stylee engaged in typical salon chit-chat when they discovered commonality in their Italian heritage.

"My son and her grandfather have the same name, Nicholas Lombardi," Janet said.

GARDEN-ER PARTY: Jesse Metcalfe, the ga-ga gorgeous gardener on Desperate Housewives, will lead a panel of judges to pick Denver's hottest Desperate Housewife, at 9 tonight at The Loft, 821 22nd St. Admission is free; RSVP is required at http://jop.playcoed.com.

The line starts at 8 p.m., but early birds are encouraged because the event should draw a big crowd. THE SEEN: Hall-of-Fame QB John Elway looking over a Maserati Quattroporte at Ferrari of Denver on Friday. He didn't buy the car, which can cost upwards of $100,000, according to my spy.

EAVESDROPPING on a man pointing to a woman at Panzano: "She and I are like two girls in a Trans Am . . . trouble."

Penny Parker's column appears Tuesday through Saturday. Listen to her on the Caplis and Silverman radio show between 4 and 5 p.m. Fridays on KHOW-AM (630). Call her at 303-954-5224 or e-mail parkerp@RockyMoun tainNews.com.