Earlier this month, our team had the honor of caring for Aloka The Peace Dog at one of the culminating gatherings for the Walk for Peace, a profound, 2,300‑mile pilgrimage by Buddhist monks from Fort Worth, Texas to Washington, D.C. This 108‑day journey was designed to share a message of peace, compassion, mindfulness, and unity, drawing crowds along the way and resonating with thousands of people both in person and online.

On Saturday, February 7, we set out from the hospital with all of our supplies and gift baskets for Aloka and his handlers. Dr. Starke, Dr. Johnston, Amanda, and Kel gathered and headed to the venue in Woodbridge, VA. The excitement was palpable, and the crowd was massive – traffic started building miles before we even reached the hotel, with people pouring out of cars and on foot just to catch a glimpse of the monks and their incredible journey.

When we arrived, the venue was packed with volunteers and attendees from all walks of life, gathered to witness and celebrate this peaceful mission. We could hear the monks’ leader, Bhikku Pannakara, speaking, despite the freezing weather and their long day of walking – a testament to the resilience of these incredible humans.

After the speech, a volunteer guided us into a quieter back area where monks were receiving care. We had the chance to greet a few of them, mostly with the help of translators, and even got to field a few curious questions about the cold laser we had brought.

Aloka, the beloved Indian Pariah dog who has captured hearts across the country, sustained a leg injury during his time in India that was exacerbated during the pilgrimage, requiring veterinary attention. The injury involved a tear of his cranial cruciate ligament, which was treated surgically as part of his recovery plan. The surgical repair of a cranial cruciate ligament is a Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy, also known as a TPLO.  Because of this, Aloka was temporarily unable to walk long distances with the monks and was lovingly pulled in a wagon for a long stretch of this journey. Our team met up with the monks in Woodbridge & Alexandria to perform a comprehensive physical examination and provide cold laser therapy, a non‑invasive treatment that supports reduced inflammation and promotes tissue healing, ensuring Aloka received focused care as he recuperated before rejoining his companions on the peace walk.

Aloka arrived accompanied by his handler, Louis Hai. With so much activity and energy around, we led Aloka to a smaller, calmer room to help him adjust. Louis was instrumental in keeping him relaxed and focused, and we were so amazed by the visible deep connection between these two.

As Fear Free–certified practitioners, creating a calm and therapeutic experience is always our priority. We intentionally chose a quiet space away from the crowds, moved at Aloka’s pace, used high-value treats for positive reinforcement, and paid close attention to his body language throughout the exam and treatment. By minimizing stress and allowing him to feel safe and in control, we were able to deliver effective care while preserving his trust and comfort.

We began with a physical examination and cold laser therapy for his injured leg. Aloka, quickly showing his personality, was more interested in table scraps than dog food, so we resorted to a bit of rotisserie chicken as motivation – and it absolutely worked! Once he settled in, he completed his treatment with patience and good spirit.

Afterward, Aloka turned his attention to the gifts we brought. He immediately went for the squeaky ball and unicorn toy, which brought out all the joy that you can see in the photos and videos. It was a perfect reminder of why we do this work – to support well‑being in every form.

As the day wound down and people began finding quiet corners to rest, we packed up our gear and began heading back. On our way out, we even crossed paths with Bhikku Pannakara himself. While we didn’t have a long conversation, being able to greet him was a meaningful capstone to an incredibly powerful day.That evening, we returned home energized by the experience and humbled by the community that Walk for Peace has inspired across the country.

Two days later, on Monday, February 9, we had the privilege of caring for Aloka again as the Walk for Peace approached its final stretch into Washington, D.C. Dr. Starke, Dr. Johnston, Kel, and Anne met the group near Marymount University in Arlington, where supporters had gathered to witness the historic journey near its conclusion.

Aloka got a well-deserved bath from Doggie’s Mobile Day Spa, and enjoyed a little bit of pampering before his veterinary care! He enjoyed many delicious treats while we completed his physical exam and cold laser therapy, and had an absolute blast spending some time playing with our team and his new toys before he went to rest for the night.

From the monks walking beside him, to the volunteers coordinating logistics, and the businesses offering their services along the way, Aloka has been surrounded by compassion at every step. Being part of that circle of support has been an absolute honor.

Being face-to-face with Aloka, a living symbol of peace and resilience, was profoundly moving for our team. In that moment, we weren’t just caring for a dog –  we were witnessing a beacon of hope, a tangible reminder that the world desperately needs the vision of the Walk for Peace. Seeing the monks’ dedication to compassion, mindfulness, and unity reminded us why our own values at Summit Veterinary Care matter so deeply: to provide the most compassionate, personalized care, to elevate wellness in every life we touch, and to actively support the community around us.

There’s something humbling about standing next to a living ambassador for peace and realizing that the principles we hold in our clinic – empathy, education, and unwavering care – are part of the same larger mission. In a world that can often feel divided, moments like this reinforce our commitment to nurture, heal, and connect, not just our patients, but everyone who crosses our path. It was inspiring, emotional, and a call to action: to continue fostering kindness, understanding, and healing wherever we can.