Julie, one of mommy’s friends, lost a beloved friend on Friday. Lapka, known to Julie and her friends as Lapy, crossed the Rainbow Bridge on Friday, November 14, 2008. Lapy had been diagnosed with cancer a little while back and it was recommended that she be put to sleep. However, Lapy’s quality of life hadn’t diminished in the least so Julie and her parent’s kept their fingers crossed. Sadly though, Lapy’s health took a sudden downswing and Julie’s parents were forced to choose between allowing Lapy to suffer or let her go in peace.

Lapy spent 15 happy years with her human, Julie, and will be deeply missed by everyone that knew her and knew of her. While her loss is great, there is joy in knowing that Lapy is not suffering anymore. Lapy, you are greatly missed.

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable. All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together…

– Author Unknown