Nishka

R/U BISS Beljekali Neha Nishka
(Hips: Too Young, Elbows Too Young, Eyes: Too Young)

“Nishka”

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Nishka pictured with Craig & Judge, Jane Armatys at BSDC of NSW Specialty Show
Born : 4 September 2004

View Nishka's Pedigree

This is Nishka, at this stage our only Groenendael. Her name is Beljekali Neha Nishka, which means "loving, honest" in Hindu. She is a Gronendael bred by Craig & Julie Fynmore (see link to Beljekali Belgians) and is an absolute joy to live with. What can we say about Nishka…… She is VERY special to all of us here. Nishka has a fantastic temperament, stable, affectionate and relaxed. She is my constant shadow and foot warmer in the winter months. Often, when you are sitting quietly, one looks over to see Nishka lovingly staring directly into your eyes. I honestly believe she tries to channel her love telepathically….. We can feel it, and so can her clients when she is working……. Because:

Nishka is Australia's newest and most beautiful, "Delta Dog" !!!

We are pleased to announce that on the 16^th September, 2006 our Groenendael bitch Beljekali Neha Nishka was temperament tested by The Delta Society of Australia to become a Delta Purina Pet Partner. Delta is a non profit organisation in Australia that evaluates volunteers and their dogs for approval to visit hospitals and nursing homes throughout Australia. It is a wonderful organisation, and Craig and Nishka have been on the waiting list for many months to have Nishka's temperament assessed.

Nishka's temperament was evaluated by subjecting her to numerous experiences that she may be exposed to while visiting sick or elderly patients in either a nursing home or hospital environment.

Some of the tests included being bumped from behind, being roughly petted or clumsily handled with hands, elbows and feet, being yelled at, exposure to people staggering and moving in unusual ways, wheelchairs, walking frames and canes being dropped near her and various loud, sudden noises.

As usual, and normal for this outstanding "N" litter bred by Craig & Julie Fynmore of Beljekali Belgian Shepherds Australia, Nishka lapped it all up, took it all in her stride and impressed the evaluators with her even temperament and bombproof demeanour. She gives the best cuddles, and she knows it. There was even a special cuddle at the end for the evaluator who had to yell at her!

We have all heard the benefits that pets can bring to people in rehab and in nursing care, but it is a big responsibility for the handlers as well. There are numerous stories relating to patients that refuse to liaise with nursing staff and doctors, but will readily begin communication with the dogs handler when the pet is visiting. Often the Delta volunteers are briefed in individual cases to see if they can help extract needed information from the patient during visits.

Information about Delta Society Australia can be found here: http://www.deltasocietyaustralia.com.au/

More information about the actual Pet Partners Program can be found on page 3 here: http://www.deltasocietyaustralia.com.au/bonding_in_the_delta_triangle.pdf

Nishka will be a very happy girl now. Not only will she get to spend extra quality time with her dad, but she gets to wear a special red bandana while she visits and gets to dish out as much "lovvin'" as the patients can take.
We will update our website soon with a pic of Nishka on her first visit. But Nishka has always been special. As the only Groen in a home of 5 boisterous Malinois, she HAS to have a good temperament or she would go stir crazy!

Best wishes, Craig & Joanne and Nishka the Delta Dog.

Nishka wins Runner Up BEST IN SHOW - August 2006
BELGIAN SHEPHERD DOG CLUB OF NSW BREED SPECIALTY - AUGUST 2006
Breed Specialist Judge: Mrs Jane Armatys (Qld)