It seemed pretty clear that Roland was the loner-type. As for being a closeted homosexual, there has been some speculation about that being possible, but in the end, like many things, no answer is provided.
Clearly, his deep affection for stray dogs started after he got his ass kicked (but kicked PLENTY on his end) at the biker bar. (I expect the only reason he did not end up dead or crippled is somebody must have said he was a state cop.)