WILMINGTON — A Wilmington pet store is lending a helping hand by taking care of 158 dogs that were rescued from a suspected puppy mill in Brunswick and New Hanover counties last Friday.

Aunt Kerry's Pet Shop has kicked off a pet food drive campaign to help the rescued dogs. They are accepting donations to help take care of the animals. Store owners say it takes about 150 pounds of food to feed that many dogs. They say the food drive will also teach potential pet owners just how much it takes to take care of pets.

"I think it also raises the awareness of why it's so important for people to do homework when they are considering getting a new pet. If adoption isn't for them they really need to do their homework with breeders," said store owner Kerry Bradley.

Anyone who would like to make a donation, stop by Aunt Kerry's Pet Shop on South College Street. So far they have raised more than $100 and several pounds of food.