110 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com Monk’s Best Friend Aloka the “Peace Dog” When the Buddhist monks undertaking the Walk for Peace arrived in South Carolina with their beloved canine companion Aloka, known widely as the “Peace Dog,” their mission was simple: to spread compassion, unity and nonviolence across the country. What they didn’t anticipate was that their four-legged ambassador would soon require some help of his own. Earlier this month, Aloka was diagnosed with a cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) injury in his right knee, a painful condition that can significantly limit mobility in dogs. For a dog whose role has been to walk beside monks along their 2,300-mile journey from Fort Worth, Texas, to Washington, D.C., the injury could not have come at a worse time. Charleston Veterinary Referral Center (CVRC) stepped in to ensure Aloka could continue his journey. After an orthopedic exam and diagnostic X-rays, the monks and the veterinary team decided to proceed with surgery on Aloka’s leg. The main goal for everyone involved was to prioritize Aloka’s comfort and long-term health. Dr. Patti Sura, a board-certified veterinary surgeon at CVRC, performed the surgery. Dr. Sophy Jesty, medical director at CVRC said, “With proper healing and rehabilitation, Aloka is expected to walk and run without pain within approximately two to three months.” In a gesture that speaks volumes about their values, Charleston Veterinary Referral Center is covering the entire cost of Aloka’s surgery. “This is truly an honor for our entire hospital,” Jesty shared. “We are acutely aware of the trust placed in us to perform surgery on a dog who means so much to so many. We provided the monks with all the options for managing Aloka’s condition so they could make a thoughtful decision on his behalf. They chose surgery sooner rather than later because they didn’t want him in pain for the rest of the walk. That decision put Aloka first.” Jesty continued, “The responsibility of making medical decisions on an animal’s behalf is weighty, but also beautiful. It’s something we face daily in veterinary medicine. We hope every person and every animal has a peaceful day today.” Aloka was referred to CVRC by Batesburg-Leesville Animal Hospital, whose team CVRC gratefully acknowledged for their collaboration and trust. While Aloka heals, his participation in the Walk for Peace will be modified. He is expected to travel in the monks’ RV while they walk, rejoining them at stops to greet supporters so he can remain part of the mission without compromising his recovery. The Walk for Peace continues as a long-distance pilgrimage promoting compassion and unity, and thanks to CVRC’s dedicated veterinary team, its most beloved ambassador is on his way back to health so he can walk peacefully once again. BY ALLYAH HARRAR For more information about the Walk for Peace and Aloka’s journey, visit dhammacetiya.com. To learn more about Charleston Veterinary Referral Center, visit charlestonvrc.com. our pets Aloka shares an embrace with a monk along their 2,300-mile Walk for Peace.
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