Dierks Bentley adopts a dog he met on live 'Today' segment: 'I feel it's meant to be'

Dierks Bentley was only supposed to be a performer on Thursday's "Today" show. Oops, he also became a new dog owner.

The country artist appeared on the morning show's concert series and then in a third-hour segment about shelter dogs. He served as a human holder of Goose, one of several dogs up for adoption.

But after scratching Goose's neck and petting the canine's face, Bentley wasn't willing to give up the 8-week-old border collie mix when the show was over. Viewers could see the musician lift the dog up high, Simba-style, and stare lovingly into the pup's eyes during the live show.

"I feel a connection. I feel it's meant to be," Bentley later said on "Today," and confirmed that he decided to officially add Goose to his family.

"I didn't think I was going to get another dog, we already have two," Bentley told his Instagram followers. "But, I mean, come on. How can you say no to that (face)?"

Later, Bentley posted an Instagram Story of Goose sitting next to him on his Burning Man tour bus.

"Road dog! He's learning the ropes … literally," Bentley joked, showing off Goose's rope toy. "Welcome to the road, Goose."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Dierks Bentley adopts dog he met on 'Today': 'I feel a connection'