In Loving Memory of Sheldon

November 18, 2020 – October 4, 2026 | 11:05 AM

With the heaviest of hearts, we said goodbye to Sheldon, a truly once-in-a-lifetime cat, at just five years old.

Sheldon began his life loved by his first mom, Ashley, who eventually entrusted him to us. For the last two years, Sheldon was loved by Mom, Daisy, and Chris, and in those two short years, he became so much more than a pet—he became our family, our comfort, and a piece of our hearts.

We truly believe God sent Sheldon to us when we needed him most. He was our little earthly angel, sent to help us through some of the hardest times in our lives. Somehow, he always seemed to know when we needed him. His presence brought comfort on the difficult days, laughter when we needed it, and a kind of unconditional love that only he could give.

Sheldon was, without question, the best cat in the entire world. He absolutely loved his belly rubs, which we lovingly called “tummys.” He loved being held and carried like a baby—and unlike most cats, he actually preferred it. He would settle into our arms as though that was exactly where he belonged.

He was also my study buddy. While I was going through paramedic school, Sheldon was right there with me. It wasn't unusual to look up from my books and find him sitting on my shoulder, keeping me company while I studied. Somehow, even during the long, exhausting nights of school, having Sheldon there made everything a little easier. Every night, Sheldon slept by my side. That little spot beside me belonged to him, and the silence there now feels impossibly empty.

Sheldon only had one eye, but that never made him anything less than perfect. In fact, it made him even more special. He proudly earned the nicknames “Pirate Cat” and “Dogcatracoon,” names that could only belong to a one-of-a-kind little soul like him.

He leaves behind his beloved siblings:

Garth Brooks Decker, his brother cat

Soldier Zeus Decker, his brother dog

Dolly Parton Decker, his sister dog

Darbie Lou Decker, his sister dog

And the three people who were blessed to call him theirs: Mom, Daisy, and Chris.

Sheldon may have only been ours for two years, but he gave us a lifetime's worth of memories and love. God knew exactly what He was doing when He sent that little one-eyed cat into our lives. He came to us during difficult chapters, stayed beside us through them, and loved us without ever asking anything in return.

There will be no more “tummys.”

No more carrying our baby around like a baby.

No more finding him curled up beside me at night.

No more looking over during a study session and seeing him perched on my shoulder.

But there will always be his little face, his one beautiful eye, his ridiculous nicknames, his favorite place beside me, and the countless memories he left behind. Sheldon wasn't just our cat. He was our angel. He was our comfort. He was our family. And although his time with us was far too short, he was loved every single day he was ours.

Run free, sweet Sheldon. Go chase whatever cats chase in Heaven. Save a spot for us. Our Pirate Cat. Our Dogcatracoon. Our study buddy. Our baby. Our earthly angel.

The best cat in the entire world. Until we meet again, Sheldon.

October 4, 2026 — 11:05 AM

You took a piece of our hearts with you, but you left us more love than we could ever have imagined.