Scotty, One to Beam Up

Stardate 02.19.2026

Do dogs go to Heaven?
I believe they do.

Because today, one of our beloved “grand dogs” is saying goodbye.

Bear wasn’t just a dog.
He was presence.
He was comfort.
He was joy in its simplest, purest form.

There’s a reason they call dogs man’s best friend.
They don’t try to fix us.
They just sit beside us… and somehow make everything one percent better.

Bear did that every single day.

And now, as we prepare to let him go, I’m holding onto gratitude.
For the walks.
For the quiet moments.
For the way he loved without condition.

If you’re reading this, I’d ask you to keep our family in your thoughts today.

Not just in the sadness…
but in the deep, lasting love that remains.

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” — Psalm 34:18

Scotty, one to beam up.
It’s time to say goodbye.

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Captain’s Addendum

Spock: “Fascinating, Doctor. The emotional bond between humans and animals appears to transcend even loss.”
Bones: “That’s because love doesn’t just disappear, Spock. It sticks around… even when it hurts.”

Michael reflects:
Love like Bear’s doesn’t leave when the body does. It settles into the heart, quietly shaping who we become. Today, I don’t try to understand it. I just feel it… and give thanks for the time we were given.

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Join me here: https://substack.com/@michaelmulliganlivelong

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Today, I’m grateful for a life that made ours better simply by being near.