July 21, 2025 – West Bend, Wi – There is a growing Rainbow Bridge memorial on a wooden bench just north of Decorah Road in West Bend, WI. The area was once patrolled by a very visible cat named Houston.
Everyone riding, walking, skating, or running on the Eisenbahn Trail would see him… frequently.
Sometimes you could pet him. Most times, you would just pedal around him. He was a fixture. If he wasn’t there, you might wonder if there was something wrong… or maybe he was just sleeping in or making the rounds elsewhere.
Recently, a notification went up on social media that Houston passed away. Now, there is a memorial on that park bench full of notes and cat toys.
Letters and posters have been delicately wrapped in protective Ziplock Baggies.
Some of the notes expressed fondness for the cat, especially when he would “walk with me on the trail all the way through when it was dark and spooky.”
A small tribute to Houston, who had an impact on those who simply saw him on the Eisenbahn Trail.
