Matt edged out hundreds to become a finalist and after hundreds of votes and careful deliberation by judges, was adjudged the first runner-up in the contest held over the weekend in Mumbai, PETA sources said.
Matt's guardian is nine-year old Zaynab Rahman of Guwahati.
Matt will receive a '100 per cent Desi Dog' doggie T-shirt and Zaynab will receive a 'My Dog Is a Rescue' T-shirt. Matt will also be featured in an upcoming issue of Animal Times, PETA India's magazine for members, the sources said.
The contest was held by PETA to show that the kindest thing that a prospective guardian can do is to adopt an Indian dog from the streets and animal shelters.
PETA CEO Poorva Joshipura said adopting a dog from the streets or an animal shelter can fill one's life with joy and love.
Zynab said Matt was hit by a car. "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.