our mission
the story of ruff
Responsible Urbanites For Fido (RUFF) was founded in June 2012 by two residents responding to neighborhood complaints about dogs on ball fields, off-leash dogs, and lack of cleanup. RUFF’s mission was to bridge the gap between dog owners and non-dog owners, promoting responsible pet ownership and fostering a better community.
Starting with clean-ups and educational events, RUFF grew and gained traction in the North End, eventually organizing as a charity. Though the initial goal wasn't a dog park, the need for one became evident. With some help from Mass DOT and the City of Boston, RUFF’s Boston Shines project came alive. With the Richmond Street Dog Run spruced up, the usership increased dramatically. The need for an actual dog park was growing for the small neighborhood. RUFF formed as a 501c3 and began the search for property. In partnership with the City of Boston, RUFF transformed “The Gassy,” a neglected area, into a safe and welcoming space.
With grant funding, $30K was spent cleaning up the park, dredging for needles and glass in the tree beds, adding new fencing, secure gates and adding more lighting. There was one stipulation when the park opened; that it would be locked at night. To change the usage of the park and reassure neighborhood residents it was safe, board members and volunteers manually locked and unlocked the gates morning and night. The usage and stigma of the park changed, and it was loved again. RUFF, in partnership with the City of Boston, was able to win hundreds of thousands of grant funding and privately fundraised within the North End community.
Architects were brought on to design a green space that would enhance the neighborhood and be something the North End could be proud of. In the fall of 2017, the North End Dog Park officially opened. It's the first city park in the Northeast that’s privately funded and managed by a nonprofit. Referred to as a “hidden gem” in the North End, this once grim, dark and abused park is bright, green and safe again. RUFF continues to engage the community through clean-ups, meetings, and advocacy for responsible dog ownership, ensuring that the park remains a vibrant, cherished space for all.
Meet the Humans
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Leslie Wallus
PRESIDENT / FOUNDER
RUFF was born from Leslie’s deep love for the North End and for dogs. RUFF would not exist without the inspiration from her late English Bulldogs Trot, and Arthur Guinness, who brought much joy, personality and love to the North End.
Leslie and her husband now enjoy all the North End has to offer with their 3 year old English Bulldog, Oz and his new baby sisters, Eloise and Vera.
How long have you lived in the neighborhood?
20 yearsFavorite local business?
North End CreameryYour dogs name?
Oz Horn WallusDogs favorite treat?
Carrots -
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Dave Goggins
PARK CHAIR
How long have you lived in the neighborhood?
Moved here in 2002Favorite local business?
Galleria Umberto!Dogs name?
PorterDogs favorite treat?
Polka Dog Turkey Meatballs -
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Kerry Mulvaney
CHAIRPERSON
Kerry Mulvaney lives in the North End with her dog, Benny. She’s lived in the North End for 20 years and loves all that the neighborhood has to offer including; restaurants, waterfront, parks, and so much history!
Kerry currently works for a biotechnology company and Bennys dad owns the restaurant Mangia Mangia on Endicott Street.
How long have you lived in the neighborhood?
26 yearsFavorite local business?
Mangia Mangia - it is my partner’s restaurant :)Your dogs name?
BennyDogs favorite treat?
Ziwi beef treats from Polka Dog -
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Allie Van Liere
DIRECTOR OF MARKETING
Allie lives in the North End with her dog, Jagger, where they spend most days on the Harborwalk, exploring outside of the city or at Polka Dog Bakery.
Allie adopted Jagger from the Northeast Animal Shelter in Salem, MA in July 2021. She works in the West End at a marketing agency.
How long have you lived in the neighborhood?
3 yearsFavorite local business?
Polka Dog!Your dog's name?
Jagger WilliamDogs favorite treat?
Bolognese sauce with Rice served with love from Frank at Ristorante Saraceno -
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Joey Carregal
TREASURER
How long have you lived in the neighborhood?
Born on Hull St in ‘87. Left for high school/college but now have been in the same apartment 15 years.Favorite local business?
Cafe ParadisoDogs name?
Lucky & LilyDogs favorite treat?
His dental treat -
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Brittany Mayer
VOLUNTEER
After moving over 9 times in her life, Brittany found her love of dogs through fostering with Last Hope K9. She now owns her own dog walking and training company called Dandy Dog, named after her deaf dog Dandelion.
How long have you lived in the neighborhood?
Since 2014Favorite local business?
I own Dandy Dog, my favorite other business is Loft & VineYour dogs name?
Dandelion (Dandy) & Mumu - I also have two cats named Braye and JoeDogs favorite treat?
Ziwi Peak - carried at Polkadog -
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Brian Sergenian
VOLUNTEER
How long have you lived in the neighborhood?
10 yrs.Favorite local business?
BHAC Fitness CenterYour dog's name?
BooneDogs favorite treat?
Firehouse Bone Biscuits -
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Jessica Davis
VOLUNTEER
How long have you lived in the neighborhood?
11 yearsFavorite local business?
Loft & Vine, Polka Dog, Mangia Mangia, North End CreameryYour dog's name?
RonanDogs favorite treat?
Milkbones from Salem Street Market, Going Bananas, and the firehouse and anything she can find on the ground on trash day 🫠
then → now
