Matt Swinehart and Nola, pose with their book, after visiting patients.
Matt Swinehart has so enjoyed being a member of Akron Children’s Doggie Brigade ™ sponsored by Milk Bone ™ that he was inspired to write a children’s book about his experiences.
About the book
Nola the Noble Corgi Visits the Hospital, which publishes March 10, stars his Pembroke Welsh Corgi and is dedicated “to the children, families and employees of Akron Children’s Hospital … thank you for allowing us to do what we love, as you are the true inspiration behind this story.”
With illustrations by Keri Green, the story follows Nola’s trips to her local children’s hospital, where she loves brightening kids’ days with cuddles and tail wags. But Nola worries that she can only reach so many patients on her visits. She then recruits her house cat companion, Biscuit, to help. Before long, all the farm animals next door are coming along to the hospital too.
Volunteering at Akron Children’s
Matt and Nola have been members of the Doggie Brigade for 4 years. Nola just completed her second evaluation by Pet Partners and once again scored at the highest level, allowing her to visit patients in areas like the Emergency Room and Behavioral Health, which require more intuitive skills to respond to potentially difficult situations.
On a recent visit to one of the inpatient units, Nola encountered 8-year-old Alivia Haag – who was undergoing tests for GI issues. The minute Nola entered the room, Alivia’s face lit up and she welcomed Nola to join her on her bed.
“I’ve been wishing for a dog my whole life,” Alivia said. “That’s the cutest Corgi I’ve ever seen!”
Matt, in a laid-back conversational tone, told Alivia that Corgis are known for herding sheep and asked her if she thought Nola looked a bit like a fox.
Alivia Haag, 8, welcomes Nola to join her in her bed for cuddles and laughs.
Next, Matt and Nola visited Leeland McNulty, 5, also admitted for GI issues. Leeland got a chuckle hearing Nola’s favorite snack was Cheerios and told Matt he had a dog named Duncan. Leeland watched intently as Nola performed a trick on the floor, rolling over to Matt’s command and getting rewarded with a Cheerio.
Leeland McNulty, 5, and Nola became instant friends.
Matt’s family
Matt lives in Stow with his wife, Kristen, and Nola and her younger brother, Hashbrown.
Shielding Nola’s ears, Matt whispered, “I wanted a Lab, but Kristen wanted a Corgi. She had a stuffed animal Corgi as a child and always wanted one.”
But now he says he can’t imagine life without Nola or Hashbrown.
“They are really loving and caring dogs,” Matt said. “Corgis are so intelligent. They can also be very stubborn.”
Nola’s popularity
Nola is so popular on their visits to the hospital that they are stopped frequently in the hallways for pets and photos. It can take longer to leave than planned. This popularity inspired an Instagram page featuring the exploits of Nola and Hashbrown @nolathenoblecorgi.
Like most kids, Leeland McNulty finds it comforting to pet Nola.
Matt, a director of property management, typically brings Nola to Akron Children’s ER on Tuesday evenings. But with the book coming out, he’s been getting requests to visit schools and libraries too.
The whole project has been a labor of love for Matt, who likes to be creative and loves animals (he grew up on a farm) and his volunteer time at Akron Children’s.
Matt and Nola have a rare quiet moment as they are approaching the Yellow Elevators. Normally, they get the rock-star treatment in Akron Children’s halls.
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Nola, the Noble Corgi, Visits the Hospital is available through Amazon and Barnes & Noble and will be sold in the Akron Children’s Hospital Gift Shop.
