Peace Dog recovering after successful surgery

Aloka, the rescue dog known nationwide as the “Peace Dog” for trekking with a group of Buddhist monks on a multistate pilgrimage, has undergone leg surgery Monday after suffering an injury.

Veterinarians say Aloka will begin a careful recovery in the coming days, with limits on his walking — no more than 10 minutes at a time, up to six times a day during the first week — that will gradually increase as he heals.

The monks expressed gratitude for the care he is receiving and optimism about his recuperation as they continue their trek to Washington, D.C.

The 2,300-mile Walk for Peace began Oct. 26 in Fort Worth, Texas, and has brought roughly two dozen Theravada Buddhist monks, clad in saffron robes and often barefoot, through more than half a dozen states on a mission to promote unity, compassion and mindfulness.

The group, organised by the Huong Dao Vipassana Bhavana Center, is scheduled to reach the nation’s capital in mid-February.

The march has drawn widespread local support across South Carolina, with thousands gathering in Columbia Saturday as the monks marched through downtown and city and state officials honored them with proclamations recognizing “Walk for Peace Day.”

Columbia Mayor Daniel Rickenmann and state Sen. Deon Tedder presented the group with official declarations celebrating the message of peace and perseverance at the State House.

Source - WCIV