In the outskirts of Agua Prieta, Sonora, Mexico, a mixed-breed puppy grows up in the loving home of Serene Balan and Oro Jas, alongside Nina, their pet mouse. Serene and Oro call him Chiquito, (Spanish for tiny one), and he is happy...until Serene and Oro's new baby, Reyes, develops a dog allergy, and they are forced to give him away to Serene's easily excitable and old uncle, Virgilio. Virgilio lives in Nogales, Sonora, Mexico, a three-hour long drive away from the household the dog is familiar with.But the dog escapes. The dog searches and searches until he finally realizes that Serene, Oro, and Reyes aren't his family anymore. He doesn't belong anywhere now.Will he continue to scavenge in the streets of Nogales, avoiding people and struggling to survive...forevermore? Or will he find a way to escape his seemingly doomed fate?Based on a true story.

--Isabella Zuazua Castillo

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