After moving to Stanislaus County from Wisconsin two years ago, local resident Jodi Baur was alarmed by the rates of animals being euthanized in the county.

Starting her own non-profit organization, called Wags and Whiskers Rescue, Baur dedicated herself to helping rescue animals that have been otherwise forgotten. In November, Wags and Whiskers Rescue successfully opened a no-kill animal shelter at the former Stanislaus County pound located in Modesto.

“The number of animals being euthanized in this area is insane,” said Baur. “Where I’m from in Wisconsin, the numbers were the exact opposite.”

While there are some no-kill animal rescue groups in the area, Baur believes that the newly opened Wags and Whiskers Rescue facility is the only no-kill animal rescue organization with a physical shelter in the area.

“It’s different than anything around here,” said Baur. “We brought a lot of the Midwest with us.”

With roughly 30 volunteers on board, Wags and Whiskers Rescue is dedicated to saving animals from high-kill shelters around the county.

Those looking to adopt can meet available dogs and cats at the center. The  organization also has weekly events, which can be found through their website.

The adoption center is open from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays, and noon  to 4 p.m. on Sundays at 2846 Finch Rd., in Modesto. To learn more about Wags and Whiskers Rescue, or to view their weekly adoption events, visit www.WAWR.org