Lady Gaga says ‘heart is sick’ and dog walker is ‘forever a hero’ as she breaks silence after pet theft
Singer has put forward a $500,000 reward for the dogs’ safe return
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Lady Gaga has broken her silence following the theft of her two dogs.
The singer spoke out on Twitter on Friday, writing: “My beloved dogs Koji and Gustav were taken in Hollywood two nights ago. My heart is sick and I am praying my family will be whole again with an act of kindness.”
Gaga confirmed she’s offering a reward of $500,000 for the dogs’ safe return and gave the contact email address KojiandGustav@gmail.com, adding: “If you bought or found them unknowingly, the reward is the same.”
The artist also shared words of thanks and support for dog walker Ryan Fischer, who was shot and injured during the theft.
“I continue to love you Ryan Fischer, you risked your life to fight for our family,” she wrote. “You’re forever a hero.”
Gaga included four photos of the two French bulldogs along with her tweets.
The theft took place on Wednesday night in Hollywood during an armed robbery, police previously told The Associated Press.
Los Angeles Police Captain Jonathan Tippett told the news agency that the dog walker was shot once and is expected to survive his injuries.
It wasn’t immediately clear whether the dog walker was targeted due to his celebrity client, according to Tippett.
Fischer’s family told Rolling Stone in a statement that he’s expected to recover fully.
“Thankfully, Ryan is receiving extraordinary care in the hospital right now and his doctors expect him to make a full recovery,” the family told the publication. “We cannot possibly say enough to thank all of the first responders, nurses and doctors who have worked so tirelessly to care for Ryan.”
The family also extended thanks to Gaga, adding: “Of course, we also want to thank Lady Gaga who has shown nothing but non-stop love and concern for Ryan and our family right from the outset. Ryan loves Gustavo and Koji as much as Lady Gaga does; so we join in her plea for their safe return.”