Aloka the ‘Peace dog’ needs surgery after Walk for Peace in SC
Updated story on Aloka’s health journey here.
The social media mascot for the cross-country Walk for Peace is getting surgery for an injury suffered while walking across South Carolina.
The official Facebook page for the ongoing walk by a group of Buddhist monks announced that Aloka the Peace Dog would undergo surgery on Monday for an injury to one of his legs.
“The veterinary team has advised us that following the surgery, Aloka will begin a careful and gradual recovery process,” the Facebook post reads. “He will be able to walk for up to 10 minutes at a time, a maximum of 6 times per day for the first week. After each week, we will be able to gradually increase his walking time as his healing progresses.”
The post did not go into details about the injury to Aloka, who has amassed a following online as he accompanies the monks on a cross-county walk from their home temple in Texas to Washington, D.C.
The veterinarian who performed the surgery was not identified, although Aloka has previously gotten medical care in South Carolina. The Lake Murray Animal Hospital posted on Friday after the peace dog made a visit to the facility.
Aloka, whose name means “light,” was adopted by the monks at Fort Worth’s Huong Dao Temple during a previous visit to India. The dog has walked with the monks and greeted well-wishers since they set out on the walk in October, and has become as much of an attraction as the wandering monks, with his own dedicated social media account.
Aloka’s surgery comes just days after the Walk for Peace passed through Columbia, drawing thousands to downtown as the monks gave a peace talk from the steps of the S.C. State House and were greeted by local notables. The monks are currently continuing their walk north towards Charlotte.
“We are deeply grateful for the excellent veterinary care Aloka is receiving, and we are confident that with proper rest and treatment, he will recover well,” the Facebook post said. “Aloka has walked alongside the venerable monks, bringing joy and inspiration to so many hearts. Now it is time for him to rest, heal, and regain his strength. We will take great care of him every step of the way.”
This story was originally published January 12, 2026 at 11:52 AM with the headline "Aloka the ‘Peace dog’ needs surgery after Walk for Peace in SC."
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