MONEY from sales of dog vitamins will help a Darlington kennels to prepare unwanted pets for new homes.

VetVits have launched an initiative with the National Canine Defence League (NCDL) to send abandoned and mistreated dogs "to school".

Last year, NCDL's Darlington Centre foumd new homes for 92 dogs, but within a month of Christmas had admitted another 172.

Twenty pence from every packet of VetVits dog vitamins sold will go towards funding the first in a series of Real Life Training Rooms - specially designed rooms where dogs can learn key skills and behaviour in an environment that is as close as possible to home life.

The company aims to raise £5,000 which will help almost 700 dogs to be found homes this year alone.

VetVits are available from the Healthspan Group, on 0808 1004080, between 9am and 6pm, seven days a week, or online at www.vetvits.co.uk