If dogs could vote for Song of the Year, one tune would win paws down. It's country music artist Sonny Burgess' hit, "The More I'm Around Some People, the More I Like My Dog."

Burgess knows what he's singing about, because one of his best friends is his 8-year-old yellow lab, Tyson. The HSUS recently talked to Burgess about the "dog song" (as it's come to be known), and his concern for animals, especially Tyson.

The HSUS: When did you know the "dog song" was going to be a hit?

Sonny Burgess: I really felt right from the beginning it was going to be a hit. From the music standpoint, it's hard to find a song like this¡ªan up-tempo song with meaning. It had a good story. Everyone goes through some of this kind of thing¡ªyour boss hassles you, your girl dumps on you ¡­ and I thought a lot of people would be aware of how special dogs, and all pets, are.

HSUS: Everyone who's seen your album, website or video knows about your sidekick, Tyson. Tell us about him.

Burgess: I know everyone says this, but Tyson's just the greatest dog ever. He's my best friend. He can tell when I'm upset. This business can sometimes be stressful, and some people aren't there for you when you need them. But Tyson's like a rock for the whole family¡ªhe brings me, my wife and the kids together.

HSUS: Has all the fame gone to his head?

Burgess: Nah. He takes it all in four strides. He's the same ol' dog he's always been.

HSUS: On Tyson's own website,the story goes that a country singer came upon a down-on-his-luck dog and took him in. Is that how you and Tyson met?

Burgess: Well, like many celebrities, Tyson took a few liberties with his bio. He's actually been a part of my family since he was just 8 weeks old. But we did have a connection from the first time I saw him.

The part of the story that's true in my own life is that I've helped other lost and stray dogs find shelter or a new home. I remember one Great Pyrenees I saw on the loose. I took him in, got him fixed up and neutered, then found him a great home. If I find a lost dog, I always try to get him home. That's why Tyson's always got his collar and tag on. Tags are so important!

HSUS: In your video, Tyson looked like he was really digging the music. Does he hang around when you're singing?

Burgess: He does love the music! When I first brought him up on stage, the drums bothered him a little. But he got used to it. Now he goes on stage and visits with the people up front. When we're at home, he'll just lay there and look up at me playing. He loves to hear the guitar. But my singing puts him to sleep. I don't know whether he's a fan or a critic.

HSUS: In looking at your own bio, it's obvious that music's always been a part of your life. How about pets?

Burgess: My first dog was a black dachshund named Midnight. We always had dogs, but small dogs. But Tyson's my favorite. We just clicked.

HSUS: Any other pets now?

Burgess: We have a cat named Romeo¡ªhe came pre-Tyson. He's probably about 12 years old now. Tyson just loves him. They lay on the floor beside each other. And if Romeo goes out in the garage, Tyson will just bring him back in. Must be the retriever in him.

HSUS: We read on the website that Tyson had elbow surgery lately. How's he doing?

Burgess: Just fine. For a while after his surgery, we took our bed off the frame so it would be lower to the floor for him. Now he's back to chasing critters in the yard.

HSUS: One of the things we really appreciated was your recording some public service announcements to play on radio stations. One was about protecting pets in case of disaster. Can you even imagine leaving your pets behind in a disaster?

Burgess: No. In fact I've always been aware of how important it is to save pets in a disaster. I remember being in a closet during a tornado with the whole family, including the dog. And there was a big flood when I was a kid. We had cocker spaniels at the time. All the families in town went to higher ground, and we sure took our pets. If we had to evacuate, I'd die before I'd leave my family, including my pets. I know Tyson would do that for me, too. He would die trying to save me. But if everyone takes the time to make a disaster plan, it shouldn't ever come to that.

HSUS: You also recorded a public service announcement about spaying/neutering pets. Is Tyson neutered?

Burgess: He sure is. A lot of people wanted one of his puppies. But I knew that neutering had to be done. Pet overpopulation's one reason. But I also want him around for a long time, and I was concerned about testicular cancer if we didn't neuter him. It's a great thing to do for your pet.

HSUS: So, does Tyson have any bad habits?

Burgess: Not really. He never tore anything up in the house or in the yard. Of course, we never leave him alone in the yard.

HSUS: And what do you love the most about him?

Burgess: More than anything, he's just concerned about me. He's always by me. My wife says "When you leave, he's my dog. And when you come home, he's back to Daddy!" That's my boy.

HSUS: So to wrap things up, what do you hope is the lasting effect of the "dog song?"

Burgess: I'm happy to say the song's opened some doors. At all my shows, I try to remind people to adopt and to support their shelter. To be aware of how special their shelters are. And that the unconditional love of a pet can't be replaced with anything in your life. I hope that song keeps making people aware of what The HSUS and local shelters are doing. If my song can help with that ¡­ well, that will satisfy me and Tyson.

To learn more about Sonny Burgess and Tyson, catch his upcoming tour schedule, or buy the "Stronger" album, featuring "The More I Know Some People, the More I Like My Dog," go to www.sonnyburgess.com.