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When Chica chose Karen Duncan, the Lincoln resident didn’t have much of a choice.

While visiting Mexico with her husband, Robert, and several friends, a young puppy wandered up and quietly cuddled next to her. The dog was smelly, mangy and gaunt — and utterly irresistible. Duncan bundled the homeless mutt into her car — and into her life.

Thirteen years later, Duncan has turned her rescue dog’s story into the eponymous children’s book “Chica.” Charmingly illustrated by Omaha artist Joe Broghammer, the story, written in side-by-side English and Spanish, is from Chica’s point of view and narrates the indomitable dog’s story from abandoned animal to beloved family member.

Both author and illustrator — along with Chica herself — will be on hand this Saturday for a special reading and book signing at El Museo Latino.

Duncan was prompted to tell Chica’s story, she says, because of her pet’s special nature.

“I’ve had a lot of dogs, but Chica really made her way into my heart,” she said. “I wanted to tell her story.”

A friend suggested Duncan relay that story from Chica’s point of view.