Behind the Scenes: Carrie Underwood's New Pedigree PSA

Carrie Underwood grew up surrounded by animals. Working in a vet clinic before she hit it big, the country superstar still volunteers at a shelter when she goes home to Oklahoma. And now, as mom to 4-year-old pup Ace, the singer is stepping up to help animals in need through the Pedigree Foundation.

Underwood recently teamed up with Pedigree — a sponsor of her Play On tour — to shoot a public service announcement on behalf of the company's big adoption drive. "I can't imagine life without my dog," she told Pedigree at the shoot. "Dogs are just beautiful souls that don't want a thing from you."

Ace appears in the spot with Underwood, and according to an on-set source he was "a natural" in front of the camera! "He's just so special because he loves me for no reason other than I love him back," Underwood told Pedigree. "He's smart and he's fun, and makes me really appreciate all the little things in life because he is a little thing."

The PSA debuts on Monday, Feb. 15, and in the meantime, pet lovers can visit dogsrule.com to contribute to the cause. Every donation will be matched by Pedigree up to $500,000.

Read more about Underwood's charity work on PEOPLEPets.com:
Carrie Underwood, "American Idol" Team Up to Help Needy Pets
Hollywood's Biggest Animal-Loving Celebrities Pose for Animal Fair's 2010 Calendar

Kate Hogan