Lady Gaga's friend and dog walker, Ryan Fischer, is speaking out for the first time since two men shot him during an attack that resulted in the theft of the pop singer's two dogs.
Fischer was out walking three of Gaga's dogs on Wednesday when the suspects attacked him. They stole two dogs, Gustavo and Koji, but the third, Asia, managed to escape. In an Instagram post, Fischer recalled how Asia stayed by his side as he lay on the sidewalk with blood pouring from his gunshot wound.
"My panicked screams calmed as I looked at her, even though it registered that the blood pooling around her tiny body was my own," he wrote. "I cradled Asia as best I could, thanked her for all the incredible adventures we’d been on together, apologized that I couldn’t defend her brothers, and then resolved that I would still try to save them … and myself."
In a second Instagram post, Fischer said he was still in recovery "from a very close call with death." He admitted wanting to keep away from the media frenzy but has since chosen to write an update for the people who have shown him "healing support."
"I am humbled and grateful that attention and focus from the police were enough to get Koji and Gustav back to safety, and I know they are committed to bringing these criminals and attempted murderers to justice. I am so appreciative of everything you continue to do," he wrote.
Fischer thanked his friends and family as well as the first responders and healthcare workers who "literally saved my life." He then thanked Gaga for her support.
"Your babies are back and the family is whole … we did it!" he wrote. "You have shown so much support throughout this whole crisis to both me and my family. But your support as a friend, despite your own traumatic loss from your kids, was unwavering. I love you and thank you."
Gustavo and Koji were turned over to police on Friday and have been reunited with the pop singer.
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