Ryan Fischer, the dog walker who was violently shot earlier this year as he took Lady Gaga’s dogs for a walk has recently opened up on social media.
In his lengthy Instagram post, he speaks on how the media attention and trauma recovery has been particularly difficult, especially as the horrific event was worldwide news.
He shared on Instagram, “Over the past few weeks, after charges were announced and leveled against those who stole the boys and attempted to murder me, I continue to find myself on the receiving end of several conversations like this. With no arrow drawn to my wounds and no sign that reads, “I’m Ryan! I was shot,” people still come up to me on my morning walks to let me know that I, in fact, had been shot. And that my given name continues to be Ryan.”
“It’s a strange thing to be known for a trauma that I’m still healing from. People want to reach out, share in my pain for a moment, and then walk away, leaving me to relive it again. It’s not intentional; it comes from a kindness and compassion that I welcome. Everyone’s support and well wishes have been incredible, and I am so humbled by every kind word and prayer that have come my way. It just hasn’t always been easy to navigate as I continue to find myself.”
“Along with the media attention and trauma recovery, I am – for the first time in a very long time – without purpose, which has been the hardest part of this chapter. Because I’m not yet in the proper headspace to care for dogs (whenever I perceive a dog is in danger I go on high alert and then break down and cry after), my purpose for the last ten years has suddenly vanished.”
After it was announced last month that the dognappers had been arrested, this is Fischer’s first time speaking out since.
“So what do I do now during this necessary limbo? Do I sit and do nothing, or do I choose to cultivate another aspect of self that gives purpose? It’s funny, I set up this account years ago with a concept in mind: What would it look like if a gay Saint – specifically Saint Rocque, patron Saint of Dogs, Bachelors, and the Plague – were reincarnated and had to navigate modern celebrity culture? What would he do and say to get his message across?”
Love Pop?
Get the latest Pop news, features, updates and giveaways straight to your inbox Learn more
He continued, “Would he get a van and explore this country, write about prison reform and healing, and comment about a late-stage capitalistic society through performance? Who knows, but I’m dying to find out. Not like get shot, dying, but I am excited to share in my bumbling exploration and storytelling with you along the way. To a purposeful journey!”
For more on this topic, follow the Pop Observer.
