Lady Gaga’s dogwalker, Ryan Fischer, is crowdfunding for cash after being shot by thieves who stole the popstar’s dog back in February.

Fischer is currently on a road trip to heal from the trauma of the incident, during which he was shot four times and was left with a collapsed lung. He was walking Gaga’s dogs Koji, Miss Asia, and Gustavo, when he was attacked.

Fischer was released from hospital in March, however after two months of his trip across America, his motorhome broke down and he’s trying to raise $40,000 to help him get back on his journey, which he refers to as a Sabbatical. 

He hopes the time away will help him to “be equally devoted to strengthening his emotional and mental health,” as he hopes to vist “retreat centers, trauma programs, queer healers, creatives, and spiritual leaders,” as he goes.

On his GoFundMe page Fischer says: “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, three 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.

“At times I was scared. I was lonely. I felt abandoned and unsupported. I had long bouts of depression and doubt and self-pity. 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.”

The dogwalker added: “With no vehicle, apartment, and having run out of savings and surviving on donations from generous loved ones, I am humbly asking for your help. I have set up this GoFundMe page in supporting a van purchase, travel expenses and welcome all input on retreats for trauma throughout the country as well as queer spiritual leaders and healers, and how best to highlight and share with you along the way.”

At the time of writing, Fischer has raised $4,661 of the $40,000 requested.

After Gaga found out that her dogs were stolen, she posted a $500,000 reward for any information relating to their whereabouts. The pooches were returned to Los Angeles police station just three days later. Gaga has had nothing but praise for her dogwalker since the dognapping, and promised to pay for his medical expenses.