The organization Responsible Urbanites for Fido, or RUFF, founded in June, is made up of 130 North Enders seeking to mediate the messy disputes between dog owners and citizens who guard the cleanliness of the closely confined neighborhood.

Pictured: Just past the intersection of Richmond and North streets in the North End, Amy Hand sets her dog, Jake, loose to play in an unauthorized dog park.

The park is maintained by Responsible Urbanites for Fido, a group cofounded by Hand and other dog owners in June. Census data from 2010 indicates that over 10,000 residents live in the tiny neighborhood, and a fair amount don’t like unleashed dogs in the established parks.

In September, an angry North End resident posted this angry open letter to dog owners, revealing the tense nature underlying pets in the North End.

RUFF members are a tight knit community. Their impromptu dog park comes equipped with plastic bags, trash bins, and this shovel for keeping the area clean.

Jackson, a six year-old pug belonging to RUFF member Dave Goggins, plays with a ball he found at the Richmond Street dog park.

Honey, an eight month-old rescued beagle-pointer mix, belongs to RUFF member Sandra Harcourt. Honey suffered at the hands of a former owner and is frightened of strangers. Harcourt adopted her several months ago from a shelter.

Jake, Amy Hand’s five year old border collie/pointer mix. Jake is named for Hand’s brother who, “doesn’t really like that they have the same name.”

RUFF rules hung at the dog park. While it serves a civically responsible function, the organization also brings together a group of like-minded North Enders for large dog walks and to get to know one another.