Instagram/@ValleyoftheDogs
Lady Gaga’s dog walker, Ryan Fischer, is asking for help from fans and loved ones just six months after surviving a nearly fatal shooting.
For those who don’t remember, Ryan was shot while walking Gaga’s French bulldogs in Los Angeles last February. While the experience was traumatizing (to say the least), Gaga’s fans supported Ryan through his journey to recovery.
Now, Ryan is reaching back out for help and sharing his GoFundMe page in hopes of raising enough money to travel across the country.
Sharing the post on Monday, August 16, Ryan explained he had to give up his car, Trudy, a few days ago and is looking to buy a new van.
“A few days ago, I said goodbye to Trudy, a quasi-reliable 1991 Ford Falcon rental that drove like a boat in high wind. With just me, Trudy, 3 stuffed animals that resemble dogs I care for very much, and WAY too many personal items, across the US we teetered along for two months.”
Ryan confessed, “At times I was scared. I was lonely. I felt abandoned and unsupported. I had long bouts of depression and doubt and self-pity.”
He continued, “But those backroads that took me to desert campsites. And Walmart parking lots and rest stops and friends and family to New York and back began to help me see why I had chosen to leave the security of the Hollywood Hills where I fought for my life and mobility.”
As to be expected, Ryan is still working through the emotional and physical trauma he experienced after getting shot.
After the shooters take two of Gaga’s dogs (who were thankfully found and returned), Ryan had to undergo multiple surgeries to repair his collapsed lung.
And, while the Los Angeles Police Department did arrest five people in connection to the shooting and dognapping, Ryan has struggled to move forward with his life.
But, if he’s able to purchase a new van, Ryan hopes to travel the country to strengthen his “emotional and mental health.”
“Having that understanding helped me frame what I need from the rest of this sabbatical: getting a van and exploring this country while seeking out communities that support the process of growing from trauma,” he shared.
“For me, this includes retreat centers, trauma programs, queer healers, creatives, and spiritual leaders. And I can’t wait to honestly share in the process and heal with you all along for the ride through writings, discussions, and quirky videos (and maybe an interpretive dance or two).”
Ryan also revealed in the post that he has “run out of savings” and is currently “surviving on donations from generous loved ones.”
Gaga has yet to publicly respond to Ryan’s recent donations request, but she did share her support for Ryan following the shooting in February.
The pop star, who was in Italy filming House of Gucci when the shooting occurred, expressed her gratitude towards Ryan in an Instagram post.
“I continue to love you Ryan Fischer, you risked your life to fight for our family. You’re forever a hero,” she wrote.
As of Wednesday, August 18, Ryan’s GoFundMe page has already raised over $21,000 of his $40,000 goal.
