Alone with Myself & Nala: Julia Trubkina’s Heartbreaking Journey Through Grief and Resilience
In the glittering yet often unforgiving world of reality television, few stories strike a chord as deeply as that of 90 Day Fiancé: The Last Resort star Julia Trubkina. Her journey, which began as a wide-eyed young woman moving from Russia to America in pursuit of love, has evolved into a poignant saga of personal growth, silent grief, and quiet resilience. Recently, Julia has been navigating perhaps the most devastating chapter of her life — the loss of her beloved dog Simba, whom she lovingly referred to as her son. While many reality stars chase fame and drama, Julia’s story has taken a raw and emotional turn, revealing the vulnerable heart beneath the social media snapshots.
When Julia first arrived in the U.S., she traded her bustling life in Russia — where she juggled multiple jobs — for the quiet, rural life on Brandon Gibbs’ family farm. The adjustment wasn’t easy. Far from the world she knew, Julia found herself tending to animals, doing hard labor, and wrestling with homesickness. But amidst the unfamiliar chaos, an unexpected love bloomed — not for farming, but for dogs. Brandon’s parents were breeders of imported European German Shepherds, and through their kennel, Julia discovered a passion that would redefine her purpose. It was here she met Simba, the dog who would change her life. What began as caretaking quickly turned into a maternal bond; Simba was not just a pet — he was family, a source of unconditional love, a companion in a foreign land, and a symbol of emotional refuge.
Julia’s connection with Simba went far beyond the typical pet-owner relationship. As she struggled to adapt to her new environment and the ups and downs of her relationship with Brandon, Simba became her anchor. She documented their bond on social media with tender posts that showcased the love, joy, and emotional support he provided. Her followers saw her transformation — from a disoriented newcomer to a professional dog trainer and co-founder of “Kingdom for Dogs,” a business dedicated to pet lovers. The subscription box service became not only a tribute to her love for animals but a symbol of how she found purpose in her passion. Yet, that newfound joy was shattered when Simba passed away. Julia, who had always been candid online, went heartbreakingly quiet. For weeks, fans wondered how she was coping, fearing that the loss had left her broken.
Then came a single Instagram story — a photo of Julia with Nala, her other dog, named after a character from The Lion King, just like Simba. Lips pursed in a kiss, eyes soft with emotion, Julia held Nala close in a quiet moment of reflection. The caption read, “Alone with myself and Nala,” a simple yet gut-wrenching phrase that captured the depths of her sorrow. Accompanying the photo was the song “Reset, Restart, Refocus,” a subtle yet profound nod to her determination to begin again. It was the first sign of light after weeks of silence, and for fans who have followed Julia’s every step, it was both a relief and a reminder of her enduring strength. While Simba was gone, Nala remained, a living connection to the memories they had built and the love that still burned in Julia’s heart. 
What made Julia’s grief even more heartbreaking was the context behind her maternal instinct. Over the years, she had been vocal about not wanting children, a choice that sparked debate among viewers. But what many didn’t know was that a doctor had once told Julia she might never be able to conceive. Her decision was not rooted in selfishness or fear, but in medical heartbreak. That diagnosis made her bond with Simba all the more profound — he was the child she feared she’d never have. In him, she found purpose, nurturing love, and identity. In raising him, she filled a void that no relationship or success ever could. Even Brandon, who had once pressured her about starting a family, eventually came to understand and respect the depth of her connection to her pets.
In the wake of Simba’s death, Julia is not just mourning; she’s rebuilding. With the support of Nala, her business, and the memories that still live in every corner of her home, she’s taking one tentative step at a time. Her journey has become more than a personal narrative — it’s a symbol of resilience for anyone who has ever lost someone they loved deeply. Julia’s story reminds us that grief is not linear, that healing takes time, and that sometimes the deepest love comes in the form of paws and wagging tails. As she continues to share glimpses of her life, her fans remain steadfast, not just as spectators of drama, but as a community that has seen her cry, love, and now — slowly — begin to heal.
In a world where reality stars are often caricatures of themselves, Julia Trubkina stands apart. Her story is not one of sensational scandals or staged confrontations, but of real, soul-deep emotion. Her grief over Simba’s passing is a quiet testament to the invisible threads that bind us to those we love — human or not. And as she walks this road of recovery, one paw print at a time, her courage continues to inspire. Through Simba’s memory and her unwavering devotion to the dogs she calls family, Julia is not just surviving. She is rising. Alone with herself and Nala — but never truly alone.
