LANCASTER − The Finishing Institute for Dog Ownership must tear down its old damaged building before it can build a new one.
That process started early on March 10 as a heavy equipment operator was taking large chunks from the building at 1951 Granville Pike. The building was basically destroyed during the major storm and flooding that hit the area in July 2025. That same storm wiped out most of the nearby Lancaster Festival national acts, also.
But Libby and Heath Wills plan to reopen FIDO in nine to 12 months, as NJW Renovations Unlimited from Carroll will build a new canine daycare and boarding center that should be able to withstand any future major flooding. One flood mitigation piece is to make the new building almost level with the adjacent Ohio 37 roadway.
Libby Wills said the cost will be around $2.9 million. She said help came from the federal Small Business Administration disaster loan. program.
The Wills opened their business in 2011 and moved it to the current location in 2018.
Libby Wills said the building flooded twice within 13 hours on July 27, 2025. She said the second flood lifted the building’s entire 12,000-square-foot foundation before 4.5 feet of water in the building washed out all of the foundation.
“There was nothing left,” Libby Wills said. “No gravel, no dirt. When it settled, it just torqued all of the framing, buckled walls and water lines came up through the floor. So the damage was not something that we could just go in and fix. It was totality.”
She said the new building will allow the business to board more dogs than before. It will also include a room for the cats that the business boards. FIDO also provides dog training and basic grooming services.
“This is our first time ever building something,” Libby Wills said. “We’ve always purchased. So we’re excited for the process and excited to bring the community something beautiful back that was so loved. And we felt that love.”
jbarron@gannett.com
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This article originally appeared on Lancaster Eagle-Gazette: Lancaster dog business FIDO rebuilding after devastating summer flood
Reporting by Jeff Barron, Lancaster Eagle-Gazette / Lancaster Eagle-Gazette
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
