Leaves Eaten need HELP

AlrIght Guys this is my second grow outdoors in NJ. My plant is kept in the back yard and recently it was attacked by a ground hog, and the lower leaves were eaten. Now, is my plant going to survive? I don't really give it too many nutrients Nd its a foot an a half tall. The leaves are fine around the top layer, but the second and 3rd and 4th sections got eaten, but the stem piece is still there. Can somebody tell me what I can do if there is an issue, and will my plant still flower? It seems to be healthy and the leaves are greener then ever. I really need answers.

it should live i would bet it does