Remembering SoCal Wellness Retreats’ sweet Lola

Honoring Lola: A Sweet Soul and True Healer

Yesterday, I had to say goodbye to my sweet dog, Lola, who had been by my side for the past ten years. Writing this feels bittersweet. There have been a lot of tears over the last 24 hours, but also a lot of laughter and reflection on what an incredible little being she was.

Lola wasn’t just a pet—she was family, a constant companion, and, in many ways, a healer. She was such an important part of our retreats, almost like a little therapist. She had this beautiful gift of knowing exactly when someone needed comfort. Guests often shared stories of how Lola showed up for them during breathwork or trauma release exercises—sometimes laying gently on them, other times sitting quietly at their side. She gave people exactly what they needed, without ever being intrusive.

The Hardest Goodbyes

Losing her has been one of the hardest experiences of my life. Dogs love us so unconditionally, and we spend years feeling responsible for their care and well-being. When their health begins to fail, it’s heartbreaking and leaves you with a sense of helplessness and even guilt.

In Lola’s final hours, she wandered to the corner of the yard and layed by herself in the sun, almost as if she didn’t want me to be sad. It felt like her way of telling me, “It’s okay. I’m ready.” Even in that moment, she made it easier for me than it could have been.

Her passing was quick. A sudden illness revealed a mass in her stomach, and within 24 hours, her body began shutting down. It was devastating, but I’m grateful she didn’t suffer long. She also was bright and chipper for our retreat last week, you literally would not have known she was dying.

Memories That Last

Lola was there for so many chapters of my life. From my days back in New Jersey to cross-country road trips, hotel stays, and nearly 70 retreats across Southern California—she was a part of it all. She wasn’t just a witness to those experiences; she was an essential part of them. She came to yoga classes with me at many different studios and always greeted people at our door with her full butt wagging from side to side.

She was sweet, sassy, and a little independent—sometimes choosing the couch over the bedroom, especially if she didn’t get the food she wanted (she preferred steak and cheese over dog food, of course). And yet, she remained by my side through everything, becoming a steady presence not only in my life but in the lives of hundreds of people she touched at our retreats. She was there for many dark chapters, low moments and deep depression. Unwavering in her love and calm demeanor.

Grief, Healing, and Community

I’ll be honest— the grief has shaken me. My nervous system has been on high alert, and meditation has been difficult. Sometimes distraction feels like the only option although I try to choose it intentionally and only for short periods. Other times, I find comfort in shorter moments of presence, in laughter with friends, or in simply letting myself cry. Yesterday I found comfort in eating a whole pizza.

What’s helped most is leaning on my community—friends stopping by, old roommates sending pictures, kind words flooding in from all channels and the reminder that it’s okay to ask for support. I’m grateful I no longer feel ashamed to admit when I need help.

And in a beautiful, unexpected way, Lola even created an opportunity for reconnection. My brother and I had been estranged for years, but through music we both love and his reaching out after her passing, a door opened again. It’s just another reminder that there are no mistakes in this universe—sometimes even loss brings healing in surprising ways.

A Reminder to Love Deeply

Lola was sprinting around the backyard on Friday, and by Sunday, she was gone. Life can change that fast. Losing her has been a painful reminder of the fragility of life—but also of the importance of cherishing the time we have with those we love.

So, hug your people hard. Love your dogs and give them treats and belly rubs. Cherish every moment. And when grief does come, allow yourself the space to feel it, reframe it, and remember all the beauty that was shared and what you learned.

Lola, my sweet little “chicken nugget,” thank you for your love, your presence, and your healing spirit. You’ll always be a part of me, and a part of every retreat you graced with your gentle heart.

✨ If you’ve ever lost a beloved pet, you know how deep this kind of grief runs. My hope in sharing is not just to honor Lola, but to remind us all of the power of love, the importance of community, and the beauty of truly being present with those we hold dear.