Sean Lowe, Former Bachelor Star, Recounts Terrifying Dog Attacks
Sean Lowe, famously known for his starring role on Season 17 of "The Bachelor" and his subsequent engagement to Catherine Giudici, recently shared a harrowing experience with his followers. In a vulnerable and detailed video posted on Instagram on March 17, Lowe recounted two separate attacks he endured from his family’s dog, a boxer named Moose, leaving him with severe injuries and grappling with the emotional aftermath.
The first attack occurred during a casual backyard barbecue with friends. Smoke from the grill inadvertently triggered the house’s fire alarm through open windows. Lowe, responding to the incessant blare, went inside to silence the alarm. It was then that he noticed a drastic change in Moose’s demeanor. The dog, previously known for his affectionate nature, suddenly bared his teeth and launched into a vicious attack.
Lowe described the attack as relentless, emphasizing that it wasn’t a typical defensive bite. He felt the dog tearing into the flesh of his arm and fought desperately to fend him off. "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… I know I’m bleeding badly," Lowe recounted in the video.
After managing to break free from the initial assault, Lowe was stunned when Moose returned for a second attack. "I’m not trying to be dramatic, but I honestly just felt like I am fighting for my life here against my dog," he said, conveying the sheer terror he experienced.
The wounds inflicted by the dog bites were severe and required immediate medical attention. Lowe’s friends acted swiftly, rushing him to the emergency room. He described the graphic scene, noting that the cut was so deep he witnessed blood "squirting, probably a couple feet." The significant amount of blood on the floor led him to fear that an artery had been punctured. He expressed deep gratitude for his friends’ presence, acknowledging that their quick action likely prevented even more serious consequences.
Tragically, the ordeal didn’t end there. The following morning, Lowe was subjected to yet another attack by Moose. While outside, a gust of wind blew open the door that was meant to keep the dog separated from his family. Moose seized the opportunity and charged directly at Lowe.
"Going through a dog attack is pretty darn traumatic. 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," Lowe shared, highlighting the psychological impact of the repeated attacks. "He made a beeline right at me and just lunged and started attacking me again."
This time, Lowe managed to subdue the dog, pinning him to the ground for a harrowing ten minutes while awaiting the arrival of an ambulance. "I’ve got a hold of his collar, but I know he’s ripped my arm open and I just know I’m fighting for my life here," he explained. "I feel like if this dog gets up, he’s going to kill me."
Lowe, a physically fit man weighing 220 pounds, emphasized the immense strength required to control the dog, stating, "It took everything I had to control this dog… If it were anyone else, he would’ve killed my children or my wife." His words underscored the potential danger Moose posed to his family.
Lowe and his wife had adopted Moose just three months prior to the attacks. He emphasized that the dog’s sudden aggression was completely out of character. Prior to the incidents, Moose had been affectionate and gentle, showing no signs of the violent behavior that would later emerge.
"It wasn’t Moose’s fault. 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," Lowe speculated. "He really didn’t show any signs, and he was great around my kids. He was great in the house. He was just an affectionate, loving boxer."
In his video, Lowe also expressed profound appreciation for his wife, Catherine, who was visibly emotional as he recounted the events. He praised her for being "amazing" throughout the entire ordeal.
Following the attacks, Lowe and his family are collaborating with animal control and a local no-kill shelter to determine the best course of action for Moose. Lowe acknowledged the difficult reality that they cannot safely keep the dog in their home with his wife and children.
Despite the physical and emotional trauma he endured, Lowe expressed a sense of gratitude that he was the one attacked and not his loved ones. "Overall, I’m super grateful it was me, and it was not my kids or my wife. And that I made it out relatively unscathed. I’ll have scarred arms for the rest of my life, but I can live with that," he stated.
He also acknowledged the potential psychological impact of the attacks, saying, "From a psychological perspective, I think I’ll be OK. She’ll catch me cringing every once in a while because I keep replaying it in my mind. But I think in the long run, I’ll be OK."
In a poignant conclusion, Lowe shared the family’s sadness over the situation. "We’re torn up about it," he noted. "And we miss our dog, as crazy as it sounds." This statement reflects the complex emotions involved in such a traumatic event, where love and loss are intertwined with fear and uncertainty.
Lowe’s willingness to share his experience has not only shed light on the potential dangers of adopting animals with unknown pasts but also served as a reminder of the importance of responsible pet ownership and the need to prioritize the safety of family members. His story serves as a cautionary tale, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of animals and the lasting impact that a violent encounter can have on both the victim and their loved ones. The Lowes are proceeding with compassion for Moose’s traumatic past while also making difficult decisions to ensure the well being of their family.
