From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network

Bengaluru, Sep 15: After sifting through hundreds of photographs of lovable Indian "community dogs", along with their rescue stories, the judges have selected two dogs from Bangalore– Maximus, whose guardian is Dipika Menon, and Bambi, whose guardian is Aishwarya Radhakrishna–as finalists in PETA's fourth annual Cutest Indian Dog Alive contest.

Maximus was suffering from cancer when Dipika rescued him and is now cancer-free. Aishwarya rescued Bambi, when the city was flooded by monsoon rains and the dog was shivering.

"Maximus was a stray dog near my house when I moved in two years ago," Dipika says: "He was diagnosed with cancer, and after three chemotherapy sessions, Maximus is now completely cured, happy and a pawsome dog!"

Of Bambi, Aishwarya says: "She was hardly 10 days old when we picked her up with the intention to put her up for adoption, but when we learnt that this pup was thrown on the streets deliberately by a neighbour, we decided to keep her with us for a few days. A few days turned into forever. She seemed like a treasure which sailed to our home on that rainy day."

"Maximus and Bambi are lucky dogs and they have returned the favour of being rescued by bringing much love and joy into Dipika's and Aishwarya's lives," says PETA India CEO Poorva Joshipura, adding: "All rescued dogs are already winners because their lives were saved by people who love them for who they are."

PETA urges prospective guardians to adopt an Indian community dog from the streets or an animal shelter rather than buying puppies from pet shops or breeders.

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 medical conditions, including breathing problems, cancer, heart disease, bleeding disorders, skeletal malformation and eye problems.

Indian community dogs are healthier and more robust than their "purebred" cousins are, says Joshipura.

The lucky pup who is named the Cutest Indian Dog Alive will receive a first-place certificate and a "100% Desi Dog" doggie T-shirt, and his or her guardian will receive an "I ♥ Desi Dogs" T-shirt as well as a copy of PETA founder Ingrid Newkirk's book Let's Have a Dog Party!

The second-place winner will receive a second-place certificate and a "100% Desi Dog" doggie T-shirt, and his or her guardian will receive an "I ♥ Desi Dogs" T-shirt. The third-place winner will receive a third-place certificate and a "100% Desi Dog" doggie T-shirt.

All winners will appear in an upcoming issue of Animal Times, PETA India's magazine for members.

To read all the finalists' rescue stories and to vote, please visit PETAIndia.com.

PETA will select the winners based on several factors, including vote count. They will be announced on September 28.

The contest will end on September 23 and the winners will be announced on September 28. The winners will be chosen by PETA’s judges with equal consideration given to three factors: the total number of votes received, PETA’s assessment of the physical attractiveness of the dog and PETA’s assessment of how heart-warming and motivational the submitted rescue story is.

The Finalists:

Lucky was rescued by Shikha after she noticed that he had a bite wound. This adorable dog received medical treatment and is now living happy and healthy with Shikha.

Krithika could not leave little Kaya alone after she found her roaming around a construction site. Kaya was taken to the veterinarian and vaccinated, and now she lives with Krithika and her family. 

Chotu was hit by a car and was temporarily unable to walk. Navina rushed him to a veterinarian and then took him home.

Manju was a mother struggling for her and her pups’ survival. Mini stepped in to help the family, getting all the pups adopted and having Manju sterilised. Manju appreciated the help so much that she adopted Mini and began staying with her!

When Shyne found Max, she’d been injured in an accident and was unable to walk. After receiving medical care, Max became playful. She is now an integral part of Shyne’s life.

Dipika found Maximus when he was suffering from cancer. After three chemotherapy sessions, Maximus is now cured, happy and a pawsome dog.

Aishwarya rescued Bambi when the city was flooded by monsoon rains. Bambi was shivering and had been abandoned on the streets by a neighbour. Bambi’s new family now calls her a “treasure”.

Sheroo started following Ranjeeta and her husband every day on their daily evening walks. When Sheroo was almost hit by a car, Ranjeeta decided to adopt him.

Lolly was hit by a car when Sukhada found him. Lolly was not able to stand and the prognosis was grim, but after intensive treatment, Lolly recovered and is now Sukhada’s best buddy.

Silky rescued Precious after he was beaten up and tortured by some kids. Precious was in pain then, but the love and care that Silky gave her has now made Precious’ life beautiful.