Aloka The 'Peace Dog' Charms Volunteer Nurse During 'Walk For Peace'

Lara DuPree, a nurse at UNC Hospitals, had a heartwarming encounter with Aloka the 'Peace Dog' while volunteering to provide medical care to Buddhist monks on their 2,300-mile Walk for Peace.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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For the past several months, a group of Buddhist monks have been walking 2,300 miles from Fort Worth, Texas, to Washington, D.C. for their 'Walk for Peace.' Along the way, they've inspired countless people with their message of unity, kindness and compassion — and their loving companion, Aloka the 'Peace Dog.' When the Walk for Peace stopped in Pittsboro, North Carolina, on January 22, 2026, nurse Lara DuPree volunteered to provide medical care to any monks in need. She was delighted to encounter Aloka, who immediately took a liking to her and refused to leave her side. The entire experience was incredibly powerful for DuPree, who feels Aloka, whose name means 'light' in Sanskrit, lives up to his name by bringing light to everybody.

Why it matters

The Walk for Peace is a powerful demonstration of the monks' message of unity, kindness and compassion, which has resonated with people of all backgrounds. Aloka the 'Peace Dog' has become a beloved symbol of this movement, charming everyone he meets and spreading the monks' message of love. DuPree's heartwarming encounter with Aloka highlights the positive impact the Walk for Peace is having, especially in a time of political and social division.

The details

When DuPree arrived at the local fairgrounds in Pittsboro, the first thing she saw was Aloka, who was being cared for by volunteers as he recovered from a recent knee surgery. DuPree immediately started petting Aloka, and he stopped whimpering and 'melted into her.' Whenever she tried to move away, Aloka would start whimpering again, clearly enjoying her company. DuPree was able to provide medical care to several monks, including soaking their tired feet in Epsom salts and helping to find a new pair of shoes for one monk whose were too small. After the medical care was complete, the monks offered a prayer and a blessing to the healthcare professionals, tying a peace bracelet around each volunteer's wrist.

  • The 109-day pilgrimage began on October 26, 2025, at the Huong Dao Vipassana Bhavana Center in Fort Worth, Texas.
  • The Walk for Peace stopped in Pittsboro, North Carolina, on January 22, 2026.

The players

Lara DuPree

A nurse at UNC Hospitals in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, who volunteered to provide medical care to the Buddhist monks during their Walk for Peace.

Aloka

The 'Peace Dog' who has been accompanying the Buddhist monks on their 2,300-mile Walk for Peace. His name means 'light' in Sanskrit.

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What they’re saying

“As soon as I opened the door, the first thing I saw was Aloka. One of the volunteers had Aloka on a leash, I was like, 'Oh my gosh — there's Aloka!' Starstruck.”

— Lara DuPree, Nurse (Forbes)

“Every time I'd move away, I kid you not, he'd start whimpering. Then I'd go back to him and he would stop. Some of the other people were like, 'Oh gosh, he really likes you.' I just sat there and petted him for a good while and just cuddled.”

— Lara DuPree, Nurse (Forbes)

What’s next

The Walk for Peace is concluding this week in Washington, D.C., with a gathering and loving-kindness meditation at the Lincoln Memorial.

The takeaway

Aloka the 'Peace Dog' has become a beloved symbol of the Buddhist monks' Walk for Peace, charming everyone he meets and spreading their message of unity, kindness and compassion. DuPree's heartwarming encounter with Aloka highlights the positive impact the Walk for Peace is having, especially in a time of political and social division.