Trace Adkins Hops Aboard the Waggin’ Train

Trace Adkins' lifelong love for dogs has turned into a partnership with Waggin' Train dog snacks. The singer will be part of the team that chooses a fan-written commercial for the treats, and the lucky winner will get to record their jingle with Trace.

"Waggin' Train came to me with this idea of having a nationwide contest where people could come up with a 60-second jingle based on their love for their pets," Trace tells The Boot. "They'll whittle it down to five finalists and then they'll bring me in as the old sage, and I'll help choose the winner."

The five finalists will be flown to Nashville during CMA Awards week in November, where they'll perform their jingles for Trace, who will then select one grand prize winner. That person will record with the country star and also receive an autographed CD of the jingle, which may be featured on both the Waggin' Train website and the brand's Facebook page.

"I thought it was a great idea. Some of the stuff we're gonna get could be really fun and interesting," Trace said. "I'm excited to have to have the opportunity to work with someone who has probably never done anything like this before, take them in studio and do this with them."

Trace's two dogs, Australian Shepherds, were rescued when his house burned on June 4. He says he, his wife Rhonda and their daughters -- Mackenzie, Brianna and Trinity -- consider the dogs part of the family.

"My kids are no different from anybody's else, they have that innocent child-like love for their pets, and they're just an integral part of their lives," said Trace, who's pictured above with daughters Briana and Trinity, along with one of their dogs. "I remember every dog I had in my whole life. They were my friends, and it has always been important to me in my life to have pets, and it is for my kids and wife; we love our dogs."

Fans who wish to enter the Waggin' Train brand dog snacks are invited to celebrate the fun moments with their dogs by creating a catchy jingle on video. To enter, visit the Waggin' Train website and upload a 60-second performance video of your original jingle and the lyrics -- and don't forget to include your dog!

Contestants will be judged on how the jingle describes the good times enjoyed by the entrant and his/her dog (50%); how the musical performance reinforces Waggin' Train wholesome fun personality (25%); and the overall creativity/originality of the jingle (25%).

"This contest is not just for dog owners who happen to be musicians -- it's for anyone who has such a tail-waggin' good time with their dog it makes them want to sing a song," says Trace.

The contest, which kicked off at CMA Music Fest last week, continues until August 3.