Aloka the Peace Dog recovering from surgery after being injured during a peace walk with Buddhist monks

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WHNS/Gray News) - Aloka the Peace Dog, who has been walking alongside Buddhist monks on their Walk for Peace, underwent surgery after injuring his leg.

The monks said that Aloka’s surgery was supposed to take two to three hours, but was finished in just one hour.

Aloka is now recovering.

The monks said a veterinary team advised Aloka to begin a “careful and gradual” recovery process before rejoining their peace walk.

The monks said they are “deeply grateful” for the care Aloka is receiving and that with proper rest and treatment, they are confident that he will recover well.

“We will take great care of him every step of the way,” the monks said.

Aloka is an Indian pariah dog whose name means divine light in Sanskrit. He has been with the monks since 2022 when he first encountered the monks during their 112-day journey across India.

The Buddhist monks are on a 120-day, 2,300-mile journey with Aloka, walking from Fort Worth, Texas, to Washington, D.C., “to raise awareness of peace, loving kindness and compassion across America and the world.”