Mourners grieving the death of Canelo, an orange tabby cat who became the adopted mascot of Millikan High School and a friend to many neighbors, can pay their respects this weekend.
After Canelo was killed by a car in March, his owner, Esperanza Caballero, had not planned to hold a ceremony. But the outpouring of grief from neighbors and Millikan students was Caballero’s sign to give everyone who loved the cat a chance to say goodbye. With the help of students, neighbors and friends, Caballero will host a celebration of Canelo’s life in the Millikan auditorium from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Saturday. It’s open to all who loved Canelo.
Many did. People knocked on Caballero’s door when they learned of Canelo’s passing. They left flowers. Millikan students created a paper chain of messages about Canelo, then draped it around the tree where Canelo used to sit. Millikan staff installed a grave marker. Caballero said she has never received as many condolence cards as she has since Canelo’s death.
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“It’s been a beautiful moment to witness,” Caballero said. “He had a huge support system, [and] he was a support system for so many,” she said…