We had someone we’ve never seen ring our doorbell tonight. No one ever comes through our gates and up to our door, except invited guests, and the well known Patrick when we moved in three years ago from a rental down the street. Anyhow, the man tonight was white, about 5′ 10″, 160 lbs or less, his hair turning to grey/white, and probably hadn’t shaved in a week or so. He wore light (almost white) colored jeans and a light colored (grey) t-shirt under an unbuttoned light blue/denim long sleeve button down shirt. 

I spoke to him without opening the door. At first, he seemed to shrug his shoulders, almost waiting for me to say something. He then said what sounded like “I’m looking for Rob.” He was very soft spoken so I asked him to repeat himself. I then put my large dog in a different room because he was barking so loudly I couldn’t hear well. The man then said “Michael, I’m looking for Michael.” He still couldn’t or wouldn’t identify who he was supposedly looking for, so I prompted him for a last name. He said a name that I didn’t recognize then said he must have been given the wrong address, that he was there to see someone who moved in “like a week ago” and must live in one of the other townhouse units. I told him everyone in the townhouse development has been here since the homes were built well over a week ago. He said have nice evening and left. A few minutes later he was sitting on the curb across the street. He left after three LDS missionaries greeted him, apparently completely disinterested in their pitch. 

Generally, he was polite. However, he was suspicious from the outset. Has anyone else in the neighborhood had a recent, similar experience?

Someone tagged the following message on my garage door, either last night or this afternoon: “Take Care of Your Dog!! Fuck You!”

For the record, my dog is a well cared for, 100 lbs. great dane/lab mix who eats well, gets regular runs, hikes, swims, etc. Like many others whose big dogs would destroy their houses if left alone inside, we leave in the yard of our townhouse when we’re out, whether permitting. The tag on my garage door is cowardly, presumptuous, and appallingly self-righteous. One look at him clearly reveals that he is not a neglected dog. Moreover, I’m mostly irritated that someone was so moved as to damage my property in such a smug manner.

I invite the person who did this to visit my home and explain yourself. You have no idea who I am or how I treat my dog. If you think you’ve witnessed some neglect or abuse, march up to my door and tell me so. I have some cleaning supplies waiting for you.

All others, how can we end this rampant cowardice disguised as “good citizenry” in our city?

This happened at 17th & Spring. Any leads are welcome.