Jeepers Creepers on the Home Front!

This morning I woke up, put my walking clothes on, leash in hand- Sparty knew it knew it was time to go outside as he waited by the front door in his excited little way as if to say YAYYYYYYY! Sleepily, I clipped on his leash and away we went into the early morning darkness for our 2.5 mile workout. I like to take him with me because it makes me feel safer and he motivates me. We walked around our block first as a warm-up, usually adds up to a half mile. Then, on the "big stretch" towards the community pool and back. Some mornings I'll jog this stretch but some I'll continue walking briskly. On our way, I've marked mental mile-markers to mentally tell me... "don't give up- you're almost there!" As we approached our first one, I felt a sense of achievement, like I just had to meet the next one. The weather was nice and cool. After all, it is officially Fall. In Arizona, this is the only part of the day you can actually feel and enjoy it though, otherwise... too hot during the sunlit hours. As we arrived to our second mile-maker, Spartacus (aka Sparty, my American Bulldog), started to hesitate in moving forward and started to act strange. Mind you, there isn't much street light on this road. I strained to see what was ahead, squinting my eyes. Faintly, I could see this form laying on the ground, halfway into the sidewalk from the bushes. My heart jumped and panicked on the inside. The caregiver inside of me called out to him, asking if he was okay. I heard no response. Immediately, I walked quickly out of the darkened area and near the closest intersection lighted by a street light. This is where I called 911. Thoughts started flooding my mind, realizing I was the only one that could be seen on the street and I didn't know if this person could wake up disoriented and attack me. The dispatcher was quick to send a few sheriffs cars to the location and stayed on the phone until they arrived to ease my panic. Soon I saw two sheriff cars zoom past me and the third sheriff car saw me as I was flagging them down. Later, an SUV sheriff arrived as well. They asked me where he was as I pointed them in the general direction. To my surprise, the sheriffs were able to get a response from the young man and began identifying him. The man was a young, Caucasian individual who seemed to be beaten. I overheard the cops ask him if he had been raped as his pants were pulled down to mid thigh, boxers at the waist for no exposure. Then, the cops asked if I wanted to pass. Without delay, I was on my way! I looked down at Sparty and treated him for the good job he did. Even though we only made it halfway, I felt that was enough excitement for out morning workout. On our way home, I saw an ambulance and a fire truck speed down the way. What an experience :) Glad I had my phone and my dog with me. By the way... Good Morning everyone!