After sifting through hundreds of photographs of Indian "community dogs"(stray dogs) — as well as their rescue stories — the judges have selected Rambo, whose guardian is Monika Datta of Dehradun, as a finalist in PETA's third annual Cutest Indian Dog Alive contest. Rambo and his brother were rescued by villagers after their mother was killed but both puppies found caring homes. "Rambo is a lucky dog, and he has returned the favour of being rescued by bringing much love and joy into Monika's life", says PETA CEO Poorva Joshipura. "All rescued dogs are already winners because their lives were saved by people who love them for who they are."
The lucky pup who wins the Cutest Indian Dog Alive title 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 Newkirk's book let's Have a Dog Party! The second- and third-place winners will also receive prizes, and all three top placers will appear in an upcoming issue of Animal Times, PETA India's magazine for members. Winners will be announced on September 24.
PETA has urged prospective guardians to adopt an Indian "community animal" from the streets or an animal shelter rather than buying puppies or kittens sold in pet shops. Breeders and pet shops often keep animals in dismal conditions, and because pedigree dogs are bred for certain exaggerated physical traits, such as long ears and drooping backs, many foreign breeds of dogs suffer from various issues, ranging from breathing problems, cancer and heart disease to bleeding disorders, skeletal malformation and eye problems. Indian "community dogs" are healthier and more robust than their "purebred" cousins are.