Saving Grace Animals for Adoption, a prominent animal rescue group in Wake Forest, marked its 20th anniversary on Monday with a celebratory event that drew around 500 people. The event, which featured adoptable dogs, also served as a platform to raise awareness about the overcrowding in North Carolina shelters, where the state ranks second in the nation for euthanasia rates.

Founder Molly Goldston, who started the rescue to support rural animal shelters, highlighted the ongoing need for accessible and affordable care, especially in eastern North Carolina. Currently, Saving Grace cares for about 300 animals, and the Wake County Animal Center, also struggling with capacity issues, has nearly 600. The center recently waived adoption fees to prevent euthanasia as space continues to dwindle.