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 Humane Society of the United States (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, an up-tempo song with meaning. It had a good story. I thought a lot of people would be aware of how special dogs, and all pets, are.

HSUS: Everyone who's seen your album, Web site 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. Tyson's like a rock for the whole family, he brings me, my wife and the kids together.

HSUS: On Tyson's own Web site, 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: 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: 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. 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.

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. 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.

This article was printed with permission from the HSUS. We are the Animal Welfare Society of Allegany County. Our mission is to educate the public in all aspects of responsible pet ownership and to alleviate animal suffering. Please visit our Web site at awsac.com to learn more about us.