For some, retirement is a time to slow down and take a break from work altogether. Mrs. Barbara Young had other ideas.
After decades in professional life — first in public relations at Southern Research Institute and later in executive offices at Motion Industries — Barbara retired with an English degree, a storyteller's eye, and a simple question: What's next?
Her answer was Hand in Paw.
Originally from College Park, Maryland, Barbara spent 22 years at Southern Research Institute giving tours and writing employee newsletters that highlighted both people and scientific discovery. She later worked 18 years at Motion Industries before hanging up her corporate hat. When the pace of professional life quieted, she wasn't ready to stop contributing.
"I wanted something to do," she says matter-of-factly.
She had heard about Hand in Paw years earlier at a luncheon in the organization's early days. So when her daughter suggested volunteering, the decision felt natural.
Barbara now volunteers several days a week at Hand in Paw in what the team affectionately calls a "staff volunteer" role. She writes acknowledgment letters for contributions, scans financial documents, and handles administrative needs that keep the organization running smoothly behind the scenes.
But she's done far more than process paperwork.
When presented with stacks of children's books, she organized the entire children's library. When handed three large piles of articles collected over 16 years, she sorted and structured the archives, preserving Hand in Paw's history for future generations.
It's meticulous work. Quiet work. Essential work.
Barbara also serves as an ambassador, speaking about Hand in Paw to friends and acquaintances and encouraging others to get involved. "I try to talk about HIP and encourage people if they show an interest," she says.
What keeps Barbara coming back each week isn't just the task list. It's the stories.
She speaks with particular tenderness about the impact of Animal-Assisted Therapy: children who speak for the first time when a therapy dog approaches, nursing home residents who light up when a dog rests at their side, fearful hospital patients who break into smiles at the sight of a golden scarf.
"I love the stories about how dogs and cats make such a difference in people's lives," she says.
Spending time with "great people all dedicated to the mission" and, of course, the dogs, doesn't hurt either.
Barbara's curiosity extends well beyond the office.
She's teaching herself to play the piano. She loves classical music and is equally captivated by the band Tears for Fears. When she needs to recharge, she heads to a wooded trail with music in her ears.
She's traveled to France, England, and Italy. These days, she enjoys exploring small Alabama towns, especially those with antebellum homes, alongside her daughter. This year, she's looking forward to discovering another corner of the state.
Her favorite motto is simple and direct: Be kind and be grateful.
It shows.
At home, Barbara shares her life with a 15-year-old brown-and-black cat who experiences occasional seizures and prefers independence to cuddles. She recently lost a beloved black Persian cat who lived to be 20 years old, a companion she adored. And she got a new cat named Aussie last summer.
Loss and love coexist easily in Barbara's story. So do discipline and warmth.
Ask Barbara about a favorite Hand in Paw memory, and she smiles at the recollection of a Cinco de Mayo celebration held for a therapy poodle's 15th birthday. It's the kind of joyful, slightly whimsical moment that defines the culture she now helps sustain.
A great day at Hand in Paw, she says, is simple: staying busy, seeing dogs visit, welcoming guests.
It's a practical answer from someone who understands that meaningful missions are built not only on big events and public programs, but on steady hands, organized shelves, well-written acknowledgments, and preserved archives.
For 30 years, Hand in Paw has improved human health and well-being through Animal-Assisted Therapy. Volunteers like Mrs. Barbara Young ensure the foundation remains strong, one thank-you letter at a time, one organized file at a time, one shared story at a time.
And she does it all with kindness and gratitude, the very values that make Hand in Paw's mission possible.
After all, connection isn't just what happens between a therapy dog and a patient. It's also what happens when someone like Barbara shows up, week after week, keeping the wheels turning so others can experience those life-changing moments.
That's the real cure.
This post is part of our 30th Anniversary #WeAreHIP campaign, a celebration of the people who keep Hand in Paw moving forward every day. From Therapy Teams in the field to the staff working behind the scenes, we’re shining a light on the dedicated individuals whose commitment, creativity, and heart power our mission across Central Alabama and Tuscaloosa. As we celebrate 30 years of connection and impact, we’d love to hear from you, too.
Have you experienced the work of a Hand in Paw Therapy Team? Attended an event? Supported our mission in your own way? Share your story and help us mark this milestone year by adding your voice to the legacy!
