A former stray dog from India has captured hearts across the United States after becoming an unexpected companion to a group of Buddhist monks on a long-distance peace march. Known as Aloka the Peace Dog, the rescued canine is walking alongside the monks from Fort Worth, Texas, to Washington, DC, as part of the Walk for Peace, a journey aimed at spreading messages of compassion and global harmony.
Aloka, a brown-and-white dog with a distinctive heart-shaped mark on his forehead, has emerged as the unofficial mascot of the march. Videos and photographs of the dog calmly walking with the monks have gone viral on social media, drawing admiration from people across the world.
What Is the Walk for Peace?
The Walk for Peace is a cross-country march organised by the Huong Dao Vipassana Bhavana Center. Covering nearly 3,700 kilometres across 10 US states, the journey seeks to promote peace, loving-kindness, and compassion. According to organisers, the walk began on October 10 and is expected to take around 120 days, concluding in Washington, DC.
The initiative aims to raise awareness about non-violence and mindfulness, encouraging people to reflect on peace not just as a global ideal but as a daily practice.
Aloka’s Journey from India to the US
Aloka was once a stray dog in India. His life changed when he began walking alongside Buddhist monks during a similar peace march in the country. Over time, he formed a strong bond with the group and stayed with them for more than 100 days.
Now, Aloka has continued the journey overseas, accompanying the monks across the US. According to the Walk for Peace’s social media pages, he receives regular veterinary check-ups and is often greeted with food, treats, and affection from well-wishers who follow the march.
“Many people often ask about Aloka’s breed,” a post reads. “While we aren’t exactly sure, we estimate he is about four years old and likely an Indian Pariah dog.”
From the streets of India to American highways, Aloka the Peace Dog has become a powerful symbol of loyalty, compassion, and the universal language of peace.