Rachel Spiker Hessenauer exemplifies what it means to be “More Than a Lawyer” through animal advocacy and dedication to helping dogs in need of safety and care. For Rachel, animal rescue is not just a hobby but a lifelong commitment, rooted in her belief that even small efforts can effect real change.
Rachel comes by advocacy honestly. Her childhood home was a revolving door for animals in need, with her first dog, Beagie, rescued from the local humane society for her tenth birthday. Because she could never pass an animal in need, Rachel often brought home strays and tried to find them new homes. In this way, she got her second dog, Boscoe, her boon companion until she left home to attend law school.
Returning to Martinsburg to practice law, Rachel adopted her “soul dog,” Winston, and began volunteering with the Berkeley County Humane Society. For several years, she spent Saturdays walking the shelter dogs. Later, Rachel focused on fundraising, organizing supply drives, and transporting for rescue organizations. Whether providing donations or logistics, or simply sharing a post on social media, Rachel helped wherever she could.
When Rescue Me WV, an animal rescue in Martinsburg, needed volunteers, Rachel answered. Because of her experience conducting home checks for potential adoptions with Fairy Tails Rescue in Maryland, she continued that work at Rescue Me. Soon, she noticed a critical need: improving the visibility of shelter dogs. Social media can be the difference between a dog being overlooked or adopted, so Rachel began promoting rescued dogs. Along the way, she discovered a talent for photographing the dogs. She is quick to say this is not due to any technical skill, but credits her success to giving dogs space to be themselves in front of the camera.
After becoming the official photographer for Rescue Me WV, Rachel collaborated in developing a new program with Berkeley County Animal Control to help dogs there gain much-needed attention. Dogs in animal control are often unfairly stigmatized, so she strives to remind others these are not “bad dogs,” but “good dogs who found themselves in bad situations.” Thanks to Rachel’s positive exposure, multiple dogs have been adopted or accepted by rescue organizations.
If Rachel had a motto, it would be, “[e]veryone thinks they have the best dog…and none of them are wrong.” She and her husband, Travis, rescued two of the bestest boys, Huckleberry and Pippin, and hope to take part in fostering dogs in the future.
Through her time and advocacy, Rachel Spiker Hessenauer proves that being More Than a Lawyer means showing up for those who cannot always speak for themselves, be it an anxious pup seeking a home or an anxious buyer seeking a home, and making sure they are seen and heard. Thank you, Rachel, for always being in your clients’ corner and for being More Than a Lawyer!
Rachel was nominated by Katie Stewart.
