Sean Lowe, Former ‘Bachelor’ Star, Recounts Harrowing Dog Attack: A Fight for Survival
Former "Bachelor" star Sean Lowe has recently shared a terrifying ordeal with his followers, detailing a harrowing dog attack that left him fearing for his life and requiring multiple emergency room visits. Lowe, who famously led Season 17 of the popular reality dating competition, took to Instagram to recount the traumatic events, explaining how his rescue dog, Moose, attacked him twice within a 24-hour period, resulting in significant injuries and lasting emotional distress.
In a video posted on Monday, Lowe sat alongside his wife, Catherine Giudici Lowe, the winning contestant from his season, as he described the frightening incidents. He began by explaining that the family had been hosting a small barbecue at their home when smoke inadvertently drifted indoors, triggering the smoke alarm. The loud and sudden noise seemed to agitate Moose, their rescue boxer, leading to an unexpected and violent outburst.
"He shows his teeth at me and just attacks me," Lowe explained, his voice still reflecting the shock of the experience. "I don’t mean bite and then run off – like a lot of dogs do when they’re scared or defensive – I mean attacks me. I feel him ripping into the flesh of my arm, and at this point I’m doing everything I possibly can just to fend this dog off."
Lowe emphasized the ferocity of the attack, highlighting that Moose wasn’t simply nipping or biting out of fear; he was actively and aggressively attacking, inflicting significant damage. "I know I’m bleeding badly," Lowe continued, his expression grave. "I’m not trying to be dramatic, but I honestly just felt like I am fighting for my life here against my dog."
With the help of his guests, Lowe managed to break free from the dog’s grip and was immediately rushed to the hospital for treatment. Doctors stitched up the wounds on his arm, and Lowe returned home, hoping the terrifying ordeal was over. However, the respite was short-lived.
Just hours later, a gust of wind blew open the door that was meant to keep Moose contained, and the dog launched a second attack. The memory of the second encounter was visibly distressing for Lowe as he recounted the events.
"Going through a dog attack is pretty darn traumatic," he said, his voice tinged with emotion. "Having to re-live it less than 12 hours later, seeing that dog running straight at you, is a feeling I don’t think I ever want to experience again."
Once again, Lowe found himself wrestling with the dog, desperately trying to protect himself. He described how Moose "ripped" his arm open, and a wave of fear washed over him as he worried that the dog might kill him. After a struggle, he managed to regain control and waited for an ambulance and the police to arrive. Lowe was then transported back to the hospital for a second round of stitches.
The incident has deeply shaken Lowe, especially since Moose had not displayed any signs of aggression before. The family had adopted Moose in January and believed him to be a loving and gentle companion. Lowe expressed gratitude that he was the one who had been attacked and not his wife or their three young children.
"It took everything I had to control this dog, and I’m 220 pounds," he said. "If it were anyone else, he would’ve killed my children or my wife."
Lowe’s story highlights the very real and potentially devastating consequences of dog attacks. While fatalities are rare, dog bites are a widespread medical concern in the United States. The American Veterinary Medical Association estimates that approximately 4.7 million people are bitten by dogs each year, although less than a million seek medical care for their injuries.
Despite the trauma he experienced, Lowe emphasized that he doesn’t blame Moose for the attacks. "It wasn’t Moose’s fault," he said. "I think it’s clear he experienced a lot of trauma before we got him and had something neurologically wrong where just a switch flipped and he turned into an absolute killer, which was so weird."
The family is now working with a no-kill shelter to find a suitable new home for Moose, one where he can live without posing a threat to others. Lowe acknowledged that it was a difficult decision, but ultimately felt it was necessary for the safety of his family.
"We’re torn up about it," Lowe concluded. "And we miss our dog, as crazy as it sounds."
This incident serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in pet ownership, particularly when dealing with rescue animals that may have unknown histories and underlying behavioral issues. It also highlights the importance of understanding dog behavior, recognizing potential triggers, and taking appropriate precautions to prevent attacks.
The Lowes’ story underscores the emotional toll that such incidents can take on families and the difficult decisions that sometimes need to be made to ensure the safety and well-being of all involved. While they mourn the loss of their beloved pet, they are also focused on healing from the trauma and moving forward as a family.
