Buddhist monks’ Peace dog recovering after ‘quick, successful’ surgery in SC

CHARLESTON, S.C. (FOX Carolina) - The Buddhist monks’ dog, Aloka the Peace Dog, underwent surgery in Charleston, South Carolina after injuring his leg.

The monks said the Peace dog successfully completed his surgery at Charleston Veterinary Referral Center entirely free of charge on Monday. It was originally estimated to take two to three hours but was finished in just one hour.

Aloka is now in recovery and resting under close medical care.

According to the group, a veterinary team advised that after surgery, he will begin a careful and gradual recovery process before rejoining the walk.

“[Aloka} 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.

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.

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."

According to the Associated Press (AP), 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.

On Saturday, large groups gathered in Columbia where the monks chanted on the steps of the State House and received a proclamation from the city’s mayor, Daniel Rickenmann.

Now, the monks said they have started day 79 of their peace walk on Monday morning in Ridgeway, SC and are heading to Great Falls by taking US-21 Highway.

“The journey continues through South Carolina, one step at a time,” the monks said.

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