Mondak Animal Rescue Construction Project Is Back On Track

Construction on Williston's new $5 million animal shelter is back on track. Officials with MonDak Animal Rescue (MDAR) have hired a new company to manage the remainder of the project. Edman Builders, LLC, a Williston-based firm, anticipates the Buck Scheele Family Animal Center will be ready to open in the spring of 2018.

"We are trying to wrap up the shell before the weather turns south," said Joseph Edman, president of Edman Builders, LLC.

The 18,000 square foot building is located in northeast Williston near Spring Lake Park and the Frontier Museum. The facility will mainly serve as a place for stray, lost, abandoned or surrendered animals (mostly dogs and cats) to stay until they are adopted. Under the MDAR's current system, foster families care for displaced or sick animals until they are rehomed. The group has one paid staff member to oversee the process.

Lisa Patton, MDAR board member said the pet community is still suffering adverse effects from the downtown in oil and gas activity.

"We took in 400 animals that were rescued and rehomed in the last calendar year," said Patton, "We are still seeing a lot of animals left behind; we are finding them in vacant apartments and empty homes and not all of them are healthy when they come to us."

The Buck Scheele Family Animal Center will provide ample space for rescues and adoptions as well as pet boarding, dog day care, grooming and shelter veterinary services. The multiuse facility was made possible through a generous gift from Lois Scheele. The longtime Williston resident donated $5 million in remembrance of her husband, the late Buck Scheele. A sign recognizing the Scheele family's philanthropy will be placed on the exterior of the building.

"It is inspiring to have a family kind enough to play such a large role in this project," said Edman.

In addition to the Scheele donation, the City of Williston STAR Fund, Williston Parks and Recreation District and Frontier Museum have all contributed to the project. Edman hopes to have a construction open house yet this year to showcase the building's contemporary design and features.

Meanwhile, the MDAR Dog Jog is scheduled Sept. 16 at Spring Lake Park from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. There will be a walk, silent and live auctions and other activities throughout the event. All of the proceeds will benefit operational costs for MonDak Animal Rescue.

For more information call 701-577-7387 or email [email protected]