With dogs that have really long, white nails I just clip about 1/8" in front of the quick - it doesn't get close enough to pinch anything, but it does get them nice and short. White nails are so easy, the only time I've ever quicked a white nail was when the dog thrashed around just as I clipped the nail. (Make sure you have styptic powder, btw. Otherwise it's a huge mess if you cut the quick.)
If Nanook is scared of having her nails clipped, you might want to have someone distract her while you do it. (Have them hold her head, praise her and bait her with something yummy)
If you do quick the nail, I don't think it'll "ruin" Nanook. One little nip of the quick can be easily forgotten with a good distraction and a few treats.