Amy Hand Promotes a Pet Friendly Neighborhood in the North End

North End Patch’s feature, "Meet Your Neighbors," is just that -- discovering more about fellow residents or people who work in the neighborhood and make this community a nice place to live.

Who?

Amy Hand of the North End

What? Dog lover, founding member of R.U.F.F.

Her story:

Amy Hand was looking for over a year to adopt a dog.

The North End resident finally saw an online photo of Jake, a nine-month old puppy living at The Forever Rescue Home Foundation in Tennessee. 

"He looked like my late father's dog and my brother -- with whom I'm very close -- is named Jake so I thought it was fate for me to have this animal," Amy said.

Jake, who turned five in July, had been abused and was extremely frightened when Amy first brought him home and remained so until he could trust his owner.

"Once he knew he had a permanent home, he was more responsive to training and affection," said Amy. "He's still a bit skittish but his personality is really blossoming."

Apparently, Jake has a silly sense of humor. He loves puppies and won't go upstairs in his home until Amy scratches his back side.

"If I stop, Jake will stop as well," she said. "So I have to keep scratching him up three flights of stairs.

Starting a dog owner's group

Jake is the first dog Amy has had and she takes caring for him quite seriously.

Amy realizes that not all residents of the North End love dogs so she believes those who own one have to be respectful of their neighbors while also doing what is best for their much-loved animals.

With that philosophy in mind, Amy was one of the founding members of Responsible Urbanites For Fido (R.U.F.F.) in mid-July as the North End's dog owner's group.

The guiding mission of R.U.F.F. is to advocate for the rights and interests of Boston dog owners, promote responsible dog ownership (emphasizing respect for the rights and interests of neighbors, the community and one's companion animals); educate the community about dog behavior and other issues influencing canine-human interactions; and work to promote  safe and healthy recreational venues for dogs on- and off-leash that allow responsible dog owners to exercise and socialize their dogs.

With dog ownership comes responsibility

Amy stresses how important it is for dog owners to not only promote the health and welfare of their animal but also ensure that the dog does not adversely affect the safety of others.

"This is a tight area and we're all struggling for space," Amy said. "If there is one irresponsible dog owner, we all get a bad reputation."

She's aware that some people are afraid of dogs.

"Even if I'm with Jake in an area where he is allowed to run free and that makes someone uncomfortable, I have to respect the other person's feelings."

The dog owner's group -- now up to 109 members from the original 18 when R.U.F.F. started -- welcomes all to the monthly meetings that take place on the second Tuesday evening of every month.

"We invite new members, with or without dogs," Amy said. "We educate and, if someone has an issue, we help address it."

For additional information, email northenddog@gmail.com or visit https://sites.google.com/site/northenddog/