Gone to the Dogman

I recall a couple of decades ago when countercultural young people romanticized the Dogman, seeing him as a symbol of rebellion rather than the troubled soul he evidently was.

The Fore River homeless scene, as Robin Rage noted in “Sherwood Forest” [November 2014], has been around for decades. When I worked in the Old Port I’d often go there to jog or picnic. Last summer was, for me, an eye-opener. An old friend of mine was losing his wife to alcoholism, and when she was fired for showing up drunk, she took up with the homeless encampment.

It may be invisible if you don’t care to look, but the Old Port is awash with young runaways. They’re usually confused, angry, naïve — not to be confused with young people out for a lark. They are easily manipulated by older guys who use women and dogs to panhandle.

Robin’s article would have been even more compelling if he’d filled out his own life story with some insights into himself, and offered more life stories from Fore River campers.

Tony Taylor
Buxton

A peek inside the Tate Street dump referenced below, in late December, revealed that evidence of squatting is still there. photo/Chris Busby

Man kicked when down

I am the David O’Donnell who formerly owned 35-37 Tate St. [That’s My Dump! December 2014]. The building is currently uninhabited and in foreclosure. The bank (Evergreen Servicing) has been slow to come and get the keys.

I originally came to the building in an ownership partnership. It was purchased through a short sale and was in a dilapidated state at purchase. When the property manager of the purchase team left, I was put into a position of trying to get the building back in shape. I almost made it, but in the end had to board the building up and place tenants in alternative housing. The building has not been occupied since the first week of January 2014. I am still waiting for the bank to take the building back, and that is all I can tell you about Tate Street.

Is Jay York the man who owns that disheveled-looking property at the bottom of Wilmot Street? As bad as those buildings were on Wilmot Street, they were all kept up better than yours.

You guys are very judgmental and seem to know a lot about me for people I’ve never met or spoken with. But I have big shoulders, so if it makes you feel better kicking a guy when he’s down, have at it. The people who do know me know I’ve always made this city a better place to live. And please don’t trash my brother’s good name. He warned me against getting into the rental business.

David O’Donnell
Portland