Often pedigree dogs are flaunted as a status symbol by dog lovers, the family say.
Four years ago Kritika rescued a puppy then from a shopping mall. Today Kaya has emerged as the runner up in an annual contest organised by animal welfare group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals or PETA.
"At one point I thought I would leave her back but later the family decided to adopt him. I dedicate this award to all Indian dog lovers," Kritika said.
Kaya has become a part of Kritika's family. When they travel during vacation Kaya would miss them and wouldn't eat food, they say.
Kritika's sister Harini explains stray dogs are much better than pedigree dogs. She says "They are so affectionate, they are stronger and they don't require much attention."
Often pedigree dogs are flaunted as a status symbol by dog lovers, the family say. But living in a posh apartment in the Adyar area, they say they have no qualms raising an Indian dog.
The aim of the contest that Kaya won is to encourage people to give a home to the stray dogs who need one - rather than opt only for pedigree dogs who are often the product of an inhumane breeding industry, PETA says.
Kritika's father, Lakshminarayanan, says, "Thousands of Indian dogs get killed on the roads every year. If we adopt them we could address a major social issue as well."