Ryan Fischer, who was shot four times last week while walking three dogs owned by Lady Gaga, has spoken out on his condition. In a lengthy Instagram post, Ryan described his 'close call with death', and praised the 'guardian angel' dog Miss Asia who remained beside him after the attack.
'While a car sped away and blood poured from my gun shot wound, an angel trotted over and laid next to me', Ryan wrote. 'My panicked screams calmed as I looked at her, even though it registered that the blood pooling around her tiny body was my own.
'I cradled Asia as best I could, thanked her for all the incredible adventures we'd been on together, apologised that I couldn't defend her brothers, and then resolved that I would still try to save them… and myself.'
Last week, TMZ reported that two dogs belonging to the Born This Way singer were stolen in California, shooting dog walker Ryan - who had them in his possession - four times in the chest.
'Lady Gaga is beside herself about this situation,' a source told Entertainment Tonight following the incident. 'Ryan is not only her dog walker, but also her friend. She is horrified that this happened.'
Lady Gaga, who released Chromatica to much acclaim last year, is currently in Rome - she is working on a film in the Italian capital - and was claimed to have offered a reward of $500,000 for the safe return of her French Bulldogs, 'no questions asked.' They have since been returned to her.
There were initially discrepancies in the way the media reported the crime. Some suggested that only one dog was stolen, but TMZ cited a 'law enforcement source', who says that two were stolen, with the third bulldog fleeing. This one was found later, safe and well by Gaga's bodyguard.
At this point, no one has been arrested for the crime, with the thieves still at large. What is also unknown is whether or not the identity of the dogs' famous owners was known. It could, of course, be a calculated attack on Lady Gaga's pets, but considering that the French Bulldog breed is an in-demand and pricey one, it is also possible that the thieves could have targeted the animals without being aware of their connection to the A Star Is Born actress.
What are Gaga's dog's names?
The dog's names are Miss Asia, Koji and Gustavo.
Lady Gaga is known as a massive animal lover. Her French Bulldog Asia even appeared with her on the cover of Harper's Bazaar. The magazine featured an interview with Gaga and the late Karl Lagerfeld, who himself had a famous cat, Choupette. 'Since my Choupette is the most famous cat on the Internet, and your Asia is the most famous dog on the Internet, should they meet?', the iconic designer asked Gaga. 'They most certainly must meet!', she replied. 'Asia is very sweet and calm. She would be very gentle with Choupette.' She added that they 'have a very special bond,' that she 'loves belly rubs', and that she 'talks a lot with her big, beautiful eyes.' Last year, Gaga endeared herself to the worldby pointing out that her privilege means that she is experiencing lockdown and a global pandemic on a different scale to those who have less than she does.
Hopefully the dogs will be found safe and sound soon.
READ MORE: As Chromatica Drops, Why Lady Gaga Was ‘Too Ashamed’ To Be Friends With Ariana Grande