Nakina
Chien Noir's Nakina 
Born September 20, 2025 

Nakina's Story

We never thought we’d get another dog after losing so many of them. We truly believed our days of raising Belgians were behind us. But slowly, our hearts began to open again — and we found ourselves ready for the next adventure.

Getting Nakina home was no easy task. Because of the government shutdown, flying to Burlington, Vermont, turned into quite an ordeal — 13 flight delays, 5 gate changes, and even a flight that came within five minutes of landing before turning back to JFK due to weather and mechanical issues. By the time I learned there was one last flight out that night, I was exhausted and heartbroken. I broke down in tears at the gate, and that’s when several kind gate agents stepped in, removed passengers who hadn’t arrived, and gave me a seat on the fully booked plane.

After just 4 hours of sleep, I finally met this little girl — and in an instant, she was worth every second of the chaos. Our flights home were equally eventful, turning into a 15 hour travel day, but Nakina handled it all like a seasoned traveler. Calm, curious, and brave, she was immediately everything I had hoped for and more.

Life with Nakina

Life with Nakina has been a beautiful reminder of everything we love about Belgians — their intelligence, their sensitivity, and their spirited devotion. She takes in the world with thoughtful curiosity, always observing before diving in, and she approaches each new experience with a confidence far beyond her age. Whether she is learning a new cue, exploring a new space, or simply curling up beside us, she brings a sense of joy and possibility to every day.