Aromatherapy massages. Filet mignon dinners. Spa pedicures. Lately, it seems that some pampered pooches live better than I do.

In the past couple months, I've run across one article [1] after another [2] about five-star luxury spas for dogs. It's safe to say that I don't treat myself — let alone my dog — anywhere near as kindly as some folks treat their canine best friends [2]. Here are some of the available luxuries:

• Doggie day spas [3], complete with aromatherapy [3], massages, and pedicures.
• Mobile dog groomers [4], who make house calls with hydrotherapy tubs, oatmeal baths, and organic salon products [4].
• A Zen Den [5], specially designed with Feng Shui [5] touches like slate tiles and bamboo, to de-stress your dog.
• Upscale boutique pet hotels [6] and country clubs [7], with heated swimming pools, organized hikes, and gourmet meals.

The only thing missing from these doggie havens is a La-Z-Boy recliner and a 24-hour marathon of the Dog Whisperer [8].

Pampering like this doesn't come cheap. High-end grooming starts around $90. A dog hotel costs upwards of $185 a night, more than I'm normally willing to spend on a hotel room for myself. And for an extra $25 per night, they'll get a filet mignon dinner.

Dog lovers (er, make that wealthy dog lovers) who want to lavish such indulgences on their pets should note that, if such over-the-top generosity is your thing, I'm ready to be adopted anytime.

The truth is that I do get that senseless urge to spoil my dog silly. I'm not willing to splurge on outlandish dog spas, but I can't seem to walk out of grocery store without buying a small toy or rawhide treat for my pup. I have no idea what this compulsion is about, because he's pretty indifferent to yet another chew toy.

I'm not sure why a walk in the park and a bowl of dog chow doesn't to cut it anymore. Doesn't it seem like we all spend a lot of energy trying to please our dogs, when they seem pretty happy with little more than a walk, some food, and a friendly scratch behind the ear?

Anyway, my pup and I are both content with our current arrangement. He gets lots of massages (daily belly rubs), aromatherapy treatments (ample time to sniff around the garbage bin), and chew toys. I get a devoted dog.

Judging from the way he's dozing in a patch of sun on my floor, he's cool with our deal. I, however, will take a day at the spa.