After years ofpublic ups and downs with husbandBrandon Gibbs,90 Day FiancéstarJulia Trubkinais opening up about a far more personal heartbreak — the devastating loss of her beloved dog Simba, whom she considered her “son.”
About five years ago, Julia moved from Russia to the U.S. on a K-1 visa to marry Brandon. Despite being together for nearly a decade, their relationship has faced serious challenges — including a near-divorce that played out on90 Day: The Last Resort, a spinoff designed to help struggling couples through therapy. By the end of the Tell All, Brandon and Julia were the only couple who officially stayed together, even agreeing to relocate Julia’s parents to the U.S. But in May 2025, they were hit with an unimaginable loss: the death of Simba.
While grieving, Julia spent time visiting family in Belgrade, Serbia — notably without Brandon — and shared a touching Instagram Story about a dream she had:
“Last night I saw you in my dream for the first time in a month and a half since you were gone. And even in my dream you tried to protect me from a bear and I [tried to] protect you.”
How Julia Trubkina’s Beloved Dog Simba Became Her Anchor After Leaving Russia on ‘90 Day Fiancé’
Moving to America was a massive adjustment for Julia.Trading her fast-paced city life in Russia as a go-go dancer for a quiet farm in Virginia with Brandon and his parents was a dramatic shift. Not only did Julia lose her support system when she moved to America, but she quickly had to adjust to the country life and care for farm animals, which wasn’t what she envisioned in her role as an American wife.
Luckily though, Julia had her beloved son, Simba, who remained her loyal companion during these challenging times. Even when her husband struggled to connect with her,Simba offered her unconditional support through his calming presence.In the time they were together, Julia cared for her pet as if it were her own son. However, it’s likely his absence has added to the voidance in her life and may also contribute to her struggle with maternal love. Julia’s dream of protecting Simba may reflect the love and emotion she wishes she had expressed more fully in real life.
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‘90 Day Fiancé’ Star Julia Continues to Mourn and Fans React
In April 2025, Simba was diagnosed with an illness that ultimately led to his death. Though it’s been over a month, Julia’s grief remains palpable. Simba wasn’t just a pet, he was a true friend and constant, unconditional companion with whom she shared a deep emotional bond. Given the couple’s ongoing struggle with the decision to have children, Julia’s pain is even more understandable.
Additionally, traveling out of the country to reconnect with family, but lacking her husband’s physical support may have likely contributed to the internal turmoil. In the end, it isn’t unusual for people to still dream about people or even their pets after a passing. Her heartfelt post in May about losing Simba prompted a flood of responses from fans. Sheshared, “Run on the rainbow my boy. You are the best thing that has ever happened to me. I really hope I was a good mommy for you. The pain I feel cannot be expressed in words or tears. My best, beloved boy, you will always be in my heart. Thank you for being in my life! I don’t know what I will do without you. I love you with all my heart, Simba!”
Fans replied with comments like, “Rip sweet simba” and “So sorry. Losing a pet is heartbreaking. Dogs are family.” Julia’s story struck a chord with many in the90 Day Fiancécommunity, as fans shared their own experiences with losing beloved pets.
