Julia Trubkinafrom90 Day Fiancé: Happily Ever After?recently shared an emotional experience of reuniting with her beloved dog, whom she affectionately referred to as her son. Originally from Russia, Julia moved to the United Statesto marry Brandon Gibbs. The couple has been married for nearly five years, but their relationship hasn’t been perfect. They even underwent therapy to address their marital issues surrounding parenthood andrelocating Julia’s parents to the U.S.In the midst of navigating these challenges,they weredevastated by the loss of their beloved dog, Simba, in May 2025.

While coping with the loss of her dog, Julia recently reunited with her family members in Belgrade, Serbia. However, Brandon was noticeably missing from her family pictures.

Julia Trubkina from 90 Day Fiancé Happily Ever After? with her dog Simba emotional message

Despite being busy spending time with her family,Juliacontinues to hold on to memories of her beloved dog.She recently posted an Instagram Storyrecounting a dream in which her dog, Simba, was still trying to protect herfrom a bear. In her message, Julia expressed,“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.”

What Julia Trubkina Trying To Protect Simba In Dreams Means

Julia Is Overflowing With Maternal Love To Share

It was a monumental change for Julia when she first moved to the United States from Russia. As a city girl and a go-go dancer, she was accustomed to a fast-paced, urban lifestyle. However, Julia had to adjust to a very different way of life when she beganliving on Brandon’s parents' farm in Virginia. Taking care of farm animals wasn’t what she had anticipated for her American life. During those challenging times, she had her dog, Simba, with her as a loyal companion. Even when Brandon didn’t always understand her,Julia found comfort in Simba’s unconditional presence.

Over the last five years, Julia cared for Simba as if he were her own son. However, his absence has left a deep void in her life, along with a great deal of maternal love. It’s possible that Julia dreamed of protecting him becauseshe lacked opportunities to express her affection and emotions in reality. She is still coming to terms with the loss of her dog, perhaps reflecting on what more she could have done to save him. In her dream, she may have felt guilty and helpless, believing she could have done more for him.

90 Day Fiancé’s Julia Trubkina looks somber and emotional in a montage image

Our Take On Julia Trubkina Continuing To Mourn Simba

In April 2025, Julia’s dog began battling an illness that ultimately led to his passing in May. Even though more than a month has passed since she lost her beloved pet, her grief remains strong. To Julia,Simba wasn’t just a pet but atruefriend with whom she shared a unique and deeply emotional bond. It isn’t unusual for her to still dream about him after his passing. The90 Day Fiancé: Happily Ever After?cast member is slowly beginning to heal, with Brandon by her side to provide support and love.

90 Day Fiancé: Happily Ever After?season 9 premieres Sunday, August 08, 2025, at 8 p.m. EDT on TLC.

90 Day Fiance Happily Ever After Poster

90 Day Fiancé: Happily Ever After?

Cast

90 Day Fiancé: Happily Ever After? follows the lives of couples from the original 90 Day Fiancé series as they navigate married life. The show explores the challenges, cultural adjustments, and evolving relationships these couples face post-marriage. It provides an in-depth look at how their dynamics change beyond the initial 90-day visa period and continues the narrative of their pursuit of a lasting union.