Ode to Koska, the Best Dog in the World

Koska was born on July 25, 1995. He fit in to our family immediately. He was the sweetest dog, and got along with everyone. He was born a little white ball of fluff, and grew into a beautiful American Eskimo dog. Ever winter, the day of the first snow, he would pounce around the backyard as if he'd never seen this new white innovation in his entire life. It was so cute! Sometimes I would look out the window and I wouldn't be able to find him because he blended with the snow so well. He loved to play in it, and he was fun to play with in the snow. During the warmer months of the year, our family really enjoyed going outside to play with him.
I taught him every trick he knows. Both of them. :) I taught him, "Up!", which means he would stand up on his hind legs and hop around. Then I would tell him to sit. He did so every time, and every time he got a treat for being such a good doggie.
On Saturday, September 19, 2009, we came home to find him in the backyard, where he died peacefully in his sleep. We know he'd had a rough several months and that his health was failing, but never had I imagined what it would really be like to not have him in my life. I was so emotional, and cried for about 2 hours straight. I've never had anyone really close to me die before, so he was the first and it has been really hard for me to handle. I love him so much! My Dad, Rob, and Rick buried a site for him in our backyard, and I made a little monument for our sweet puppy. After one last look at him, they put him to rest until we meet again.
14 years, he was part of our family. I could not have asked for a better dog. I hope he knows how much we love him, and I know he loved each and every one of us very much. He showed it by how excited he would get by wagging his tail if ever he heard his name even mentioned. I would go around the side of the house to the little white fence, and shout out, "Koska!" Immediately he would come running to see me in the most excited way! I believe that when I get to heaven, he'll already be there, and I will shout out, "Koska!" And he will come running, and I I will be reunited with Koska, the best dog in the world. I love you, boy! I LOVE YOU!!!