A Guwahati dog, Matt, is a finalist in PETA's Cutest Indian Dog Alive contest based on his rescue story and photograph.
After sifting through hundreds of photographs of lovable Indian community dogs as well as their rescue stories, the judges selected Matt as a finalist in the annual contest, said PETA sources here today.
Matt's 9-year old guardian Zaynab Rahman of Guwahati said, "Matt was hit by a car and I was really scared for him.
I took Matt to a veterinarian along with my dad and he is now a healthy dog and also my best friend".
PETA sources said the most heart-warming story should be rewarded and crowned the top rescued dog to encourage more people to adopt dogs from the streets or animal shelters rather than buying from pet shops.
"Matt is a lucky dog, indeed, and has returned the favour of being rescued by bringing much love and joy into the lives of Zaynab and her family", said PETA CEO Poorva Joshipura.
"All rescued dogs are already winners because their lives were saved by people who love them for who they are," Joshipura said.
India's top (rescued!) dog will be decided on votes from people at PETAIndia.com., the sources said.
The lucky pup named the Cutest Indian Dog Alive will receive a "100% Desi Dog" doggie T-shirt, and his or her guardian will receive a "My Dog Is a Rescue" T-shirt as well as an autographed copy of PETA India founder Ingrid E Newkirk's book 'Let's Have a Dog Party!'.