Nashua’s Stephanie DesMarais Is Leading The Charge In Animal Advocacy

With an extensive background in animal advocacy spanning more than 14 years, Stephanie DesMarais has become a beacon of hope for disabled animals and their owners across Nashua and beyond. As the dedicated director of the Handicapped Pets (HPETS) Foundation, DesMarais has played an instrumental part in the organization’s evolution from a small initiative catering to New Hampshire's animals in need of mobility devices to an expansive national entity, even touching lives in countries like Canada and Argentina.

Under DesMarais' guidance and with the organization's mission to choose wheels over euthanasia, the team behind the HPETS Foundation has earned significant recognition and accolades. Their continuous efforts, in collaboration with local communities and partners, underscore their tireless dedication to ensuring that every animal, irrespective of their disability, enjoys a quality life.

We spoke with DesMarais about her work with HPETS Foundation and the organization’s history and community event successes that have led to more animals receiving the care they need.

Answers have been edited for clarity and length.

Patch: What is the origin behind HPETS Foundation, and how has it grown?

DesMarais: HPETS Foundation was established in 2009 to serve the disabled animals of New Hampshire and their owners who could not afford mobility devices. It quickly became a national organization for families and rescues in need of mobility devices. The group has even partnered with agencies and families in Canada, Argentina and others.

People join the organization as a volunteer to change the lives of animals who can no longer be mobile on their own, through no fault of their own. Their dedication to spreading the message of "wheels" over euthanasia is admirable.

Patch: As a highly esteemed animal advocate, what are some of the awards you’ve been most proud to receive over the years? What do these accolades mean to you?

DesMarais: HPETS Foundation has just been awarded as Top Rated Non-Profit for the third year (after I took over) in a row. I feel so privileged to assist our wonderful group of volunteers from around the USA. This award highlights all the hard work they do to get mobility devices into the hands of owners in hardship and rescue organizations.

Our group assists owners of all sorts of animals — including dogs, cats, ducks, lambs and goats — and USA rescue organizations. Their stories and votes speak for themselves.

Patch: What are some standout community events you’ve had a hand in, and what has the local response been?

DesMarais: The latest events we were a part of have been sponsored by Walkin Pets in Amherst, NH and Pet Supplies Plus of NH and Northern MA.

Walkin Pets is our main supplier of mobility devices. They make devices, like wheelchairs, right here in NH, and have generously provided us with chairs and other devices. This group's dedication to this niche community is commendable.

The other organization, Pet Supplies Plus of NH and Northern MA has, for the second year sponsored a "Keep the Change" event for us. The proceeds have been used to provide devices to our ever-growing client list.

What I love about this organization is the fact they take a grassroots approach to working with non-profits. They truly care about helping the communities they serve in our area — Nashua, Bedford, Salem and Massachusetts stores in Haverhill, Billerica and Lunenburg.

Patch: Do you have advice for those in your community who are struggling to meet the needs of their disabled pet?

DesMarais: There are resources available for families and rescues struggling with meeting the needs of disabled animals. All you need to do is ask for a little help.

Patch: What is your favorite part about being involved in the Nashua community?

DesMarais: I am always amazed at the generosity of the residents and the compassion they feel and act upon. I am so proud to live in an area where words are followed by actions.

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