We're sure he'll understand, since dog is man's best friend and all.

We've seen Dierks Bentley's beloved dog Jake in several of Dierks' music videos and on several red carpets.

But ya won't see Jake on the cover of Dierks' new album, Home, to be released Feb. 7.

Dierks posted a pic of his hand holding a copy of the new CD. Under that, Dierks posted, "Now the tough part . . . breaking the news to jake that he isn't on the cover."

By the way, if you look closely at the background of the picture Dierks posted, you'll see he has a heart for the needy. On the floorboard, next to some trash, are a couple of copies of The Contributor, a Nashville newspaper sold by homeless people as a way for them to make money for themselves.