07/25/2025
Those of you who’ve followed me for a long time have seen a lot of content featuring my soul pup, Hampi. And if you’ve practiced with me in person, there’s a good chance you’ve met him too. On Tuesday, after nearly 15 years by my side, Hampi passed away.
Hampi was endlessly good-natured and loved by so many. He was the ultimate shala dog—he joined Mysore every day and was always ready with a perfect savasana assist and a wagging tail. He was enthusiastic about absolutely everything. He loved going to bed early, sleeping in late, and soaking up all the pets he could get. He lived his life assuming everyone was a friend.
He was also a world-class counter-surfer—stealing butter, fish, half-and-half, and even full pies and cakes. He always walked without a leash because there was no way he would ever leave my side. I’ll always remember him squeaking with excitement in the car, ears flying as he leaned into the wind, chest out the window, taking it all in. I’ll remember him bounding down trails, chasing rocks into the water, and grinning as cats chased him. He loved camping, people, other dogs, being chased, giving over-the-top greetings, his stuffed frog, and, mostly, he loved me.
Hampi got me through some of my hardest years. When I felt most alone and isolated, he was always there—my steady, loyal companion. For a long time, it was just the two of us. He welcomed Paul into our lives (after a brief period of jealousy), and ultimately, he stayed by my side long enough to see me into this new chapter, leaving me with another sweet boy to love.
Hampi’s love was the best love. I’ll miss it forever.
At the end, all I could say to him was: thank you, thank you, thank you.
