A dog named Aloka has risen to international stardom as he walks along with a group of 24 Buddhist monks on the 2,300-mile Walk for Peace across the United States.

On October 26, 2025, the monks embarked on their 10-state journey from Fort Worth, Texas to Washington, D.C. The Walk for Peace is organized and led by monks from the Huong Dao Vipassana Bhavana Center in Fort Worth, according to the nonprofit.

Aloka the Peace Dog walking along with Buddhist monks. (Photo: Courtesy of Bhante Sumato / Huong Dao Vipassana Bhavana Center / Walk for Peace)

The same day the monks started their journey, they created a Facebook page. And within a few months, they have amassed over 720,000 followers.

Many people following their journey also wanted to get updates on Aloka. So on December 9, 2025, the monks created an additional page called Aloka the Peace Dog. The page features photos and videos of Aloka and it already has over 340,000 followers. It is on pace to surpass their main page.

Aloka the Peace Dog pictured with a firefighter in 2026. (Photo: Courtesy of Bhante Sumato / Huong Dao Vipassana Bhavana Center / Walk for Peace)

Aloka's journey began 8,400 miles away in India. He was once a stray wandering the streets when he began following a group of monks on a peace walk.

As the monks continued their 100-day journey across India, Aloka stayed with them, becoming a quiet guiding light. Today, he continues that same journey, and he's lighting up the faces of children and families all across the United States.

According to the monks, Aloka is about 4 years old and is likely an Indian Pariah dog. Each morning, people along the road see him calmly walking beside them. Sometimes he wears a scarf that reads "Aloka." And other times it says "Walk for Peace."

Aloka the Peace Dog wearing a scarf that reads "Aloka" while walking alongside Buddhist monks on the Walk for Peace across the United States in 2026. (Photo: Bhante Sumato / Huong Dao Vipassana Bhavana Center / Walk for Peace)

Aloka receives regular veterinary checkups along the journey to ensure his health and well-being. An escort vehicle follows behind the monks, and Aloka rests inside whenever he needs to.

In videos posted to social media, Aloka can be seen running around as the monks walk. Some people pet him, and others give him dog treats or toys.

Aloka also has a white patch on his forehead that naturally forms a heart. It feels like his presence was needed to show the true meaning of kindness.

Aloka the Peace Dog walking along with Buddhist monks on the Walk for Peace across the United States in 2026. (Photo: Bhante Sumato / Huong Dao Vipassana Bhavana Center / Walk for Peace)

The monks' journey can be followed online through an interactive Google map that shows their route and daily progress as they walk. It also shows their walking paths, rest stops, and overnight locations. Supporters can use the map to see when the monks are near their community and follow the Walk for Peace in real time.