Carrie Underwood is always on the go these days, but the hectic nature of traveling and touring is always a little nicer when you’ve got a friend to keep you company. And for Carrie, she’s found a buddy in her little rat terrier, Ace. “I always say I know that doesn’t very pretty: ‘rat terrier.’ Anything with ‘rat’ in the name. But he’s a good boy,” Carrie says. Like any family relationship, they’ve worked out their little routines, and whatever the day may bring, she says, “He’s always makin’ me smile.” (AUDIO INFO BELOW)

• Be listening for Carrie’s new single — it’s the most popular new song on country radio this week! It’s Carrie’s version of the Randy Travis 1988 number-one classic, “I Told You So,” and it’s the latest great song from her Carnival Ride album that also features the smash singles “Last Name,” “So Small,” “Just a Dream,” and “All-American Girl.”

  Carrie Underwood talks about her closest traveling companion. (:25)
“My dog’s name is Ace. And he’s a rat terrier. And I always say I know that doesn’t very pretty: ‘rat terrier.’ Anything with ‘rat’ in the name. But he’s a good boy. He sleeps with me at night. We have our routines. We cuddle in the mornings. And he’s just there to make me happy, or to drive me crazy, whichever one. But, one way or another, he’s always makin’ me smile.”