An abandoned dog has joined a mission of peace across the world and, despite some mishaps, has stayed with it every paw of the way.
During their opening 112-day peace walk in India, a group of Buddhist monks found an abandoned dog—or perhaps the dog found them.
The canine, believed to be an Indian Pariah breed, was given the name Aloka, and soon became a loyal companion, following the group of monks as they marched across India to spread messages of peace and unity.
Their four-legged friend encountered his own hardships along that arduous journey. Aloka was hit by a car, and he also fell ill for an extended period of time. The monks loaded him up in a truck, offering him an escape from all the walking.
But Aloka didn’t want to be away from his new companions. He jumped out and rejoined the mission.
“He followed us the whole time. He’s a true hero,” one of the monks said in a Tik Tok video, remembering all the obstacles Aloka overcame. “He wanted to walk. That inspires a lot.”
@walkforpeaceusa A dog who survived the streets, sickness, and even a car accident… but refused to give up. This is Aloka — the Peace Dog 🐾💛 A huge thank you to @1851 Properties for capturing this moment on Day 16 of the Walk for Peace in Bellville, TX 🙏✨ #WalkForPeace #AlokaThePeaceDog #CompassionInAction #BuddhistMonks #Inspiration ♬ original sound - Walk for Peace Official
Now, Aloka and the monks who live in the Huong Dao Vipassana Bhavana in Fort Worth, Texas have a new mission. In October, nineteen of the Buddhist monks and their loyal companion set out from Fort Worth on a 2,300-mile walk toward Washington, D.C. with a goal of promoting unity and compassion.
“When I heard about this 2,300-mile walk, I was amazed,” Texas Representative Nicole Collier told the Star-Telegram. “It really touches the hearts and minds of people. We live in a time when the noise often drowns out understanding, where division can feel louder than unity—but this is what the community and interfaith solidarity looks like.”
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The journey is expected to cover 10 states in 110 days before ending in the nation’s capital in February. By late December, the group had reached Atlanta. A live tracker on Facebook provides updates on their progress and the group has also been posting frequently to social media. (Don’t worry, Aloka the Peace Dog has his own Instagram as well).
Strangers have provided a warm welcome all along the way. A Dairy Queen store in Texas gave the monks ice cream and made sure Aloka got some too. Doctors in Alabama provided free checkups. Crowds have gathered across the Sun Belt to meet the monks and share meals and well wishes as the convoy moves north toward the capital.
“It’s a journey filled with both known and unforeseen challenges.” says the official Walk for Peace Instagram page. “Yet, with hearts anchored in calmness and minds set firmly on their purpose, the monks move forward—step by step—embodying peace, resilience, and unwavering determination on their sacred path toward the White House.”
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And the lovable, loyal, four-legged friend remains their pawsome sidekick.
“Aloka is a very good boy helping to carry the message of peace and harmony” — and watching over them all the while.
KEEP THE MISSION MOVING By Sharing Aloka On Social Media…