Did Carrie Underwood visit Sacramento for the dogs or her fans?

Both. Pop country singer and five-time Grammy Award winner Carrie Underwood played Thursday at Arco Arena on her “Play On” Tour. Just hours before her sold-out concert, she and Pedigree Brand held a news conference, for the Pedigree Pet Adoption Drive to donate to Happy Tails Pet Sanctuary. Happy Tails Pet Sanctuary, a no-kill animal shelter in the Sacramento area, was presented with a check for $10,000 for its efforts in rescuing dogs and finding homes for them. The Pedigree Pet Adoption drive is encouraging Facebook users to become fans. In return, the pet food company will donate one bowl of food to shelter dogs per fan.

My first impression of Underwood was that she was a soft-spoken, down to earth, sweet individual. She spoke of her love for all animals. “I was always finding animals, especially cats and finding them homes.”

The press conference was very intimate; I was among a small group of journalists who interviewed Underwood.

What is your personal goal with the Pedigree Pet Adoption Drives? “All of our goals together is creating awareness for this problem, there are four million dogs sitting in shelters right now and half of them won’t find homes.”

Underwood said she supports dog rescue shelters, because of her adopted dog Ace. I asked about the rat terrier. “I didn’t know if I could have a dog in my situation. I didn’t know if it would be fair, but we get along great; he’s a perfect little road dog.”

Does Ace go on tour with you? “ He goes everywhere with me; he’s my best friend.”

Does he sleep in your bed? “He does, which I think is supposed to be a no-no, but he’s 10 pounds. How much space is he really going to take?”

What is the most daring thing you’ve ever done? “Tried out for 'American Idol,' biggest television show of my time. Could’ve ended up pretty badly, I suppose. It was a big risk, but it worked out alright, I think. “

I’d say so. Underwood spoke highly of Sacramento and the crowds she gets when she tours Northern California. After the interview, I headed outside to pick up my concert ticket. Thousands of fans waited in line for more than an hour and a half before the concert, most in boots and cowboy hats.

Sons of Sylvia opened the show and put on a very eclectic performance, featuring a variety of instruments. The lead singer vibrated and shook like a modern-day Elvis Presley.

Craig Morgan came on next and gave another high-energy performance, running around the arena with a big smile. He really looked like he was enjoying himself. I enjoyed his country version of Lionel Richie’s song “Easy (like a Sunday morning) ”.

After a short intermission, Underwood appeared, sitting on a red lounge chair to sing “Cowboy Casanova.” The stage was flashy, with platforms and props and a three-panel screen that showed images of Underwood and the outdoors. The most impressive prop was the overhead blue Chevy truck from which Underwood sang while circling above the audience.

She changed outfits with almost every song, dancing and encouraging sing-a-longs to “American Girl,” “Undo it” and a song she said she was most proud of writing, “This is our Temporary Home.”

The crowd swayed and sang along to the words of her first single, “Jesus, Take the Wheel.” Underwood concluded the two-hour set with the all-girls' anthem, “Before He Cheats,” and “Songs Like This.”

My day with Underwood was incredible. I met her in a small setting and enjoyed her concert. Carrie Underwood showed that she is a talented singer, guitarist and pianist who has a big heart and is doing what she can to give back.