When Alissa Coschigano Mosca thinks about her father’s dog, Rocky, she doesn’t just remember a pet. She remembers what Rocky gave her dad — John “Johnny Cake” Coschigano Jr., a Marine Corps Lance Corporal and Vietnam veteran — in the years after his service: steadiness, companionship, a reason to get up in the morning.
Johnny Cake & Rocky’s special relationship is the reason four guardians in the Hudson Valley now have companion dogs of their very own.
“We love her so much, and she is the missing piece we needed for our family.” – Elizabeth, a first responder, who is one of four Boots & Paws companion puppy recipients thanks to Alissa’s fundraising efforts
A Daughter's Tribute Becomes a Mission
Rocky’s Ruck 2026
For four years now, Alissa has organized Rocky’s Ruck for Johnny Cake: a fitness fundraiser held in her father’s honor, benefitting Guardian Revival’s Boots & Paws program. What started as a tribute to one dog and one veteran has grown into something bigger.
Seeing what an impact Rocky made on her dad’s life inspired Alissa to spread the (puppy) love with others. Her husband, Nick, who is also a veteran and first responder, learned about Boots & Paws because two of his fellow firefighters were awarded companion dogs through our program.
Alissa and Nick decided that they wanted their fundraising efforts to help local Hudson Valley guardians, and now, their incredible efforts have raised enough money to fund full companion dog packages — resulting in four guardians receiving puppies and new companions over the past few years:
Modesto, Army veteran — awarded labradoodle Wendy in November 2024
Rob, First Responder — awarded labrador Teddy in September 2025
Elizabeth, First Responder — awarded labrador Daisy in October 2026
Jolene, First Responder — awarded labradoodle in November 2026
For Alissa, the impact goes far beyond the day of the awarding:
“One of the most impactful things for me is seeing where all of our donations go… getting updates about how the guardians are doing with their dogs and how much they have become part of the family is so meaningful. To know that we are making a difference in so many lives just touches our hearts in a strong and powerful way. This mission goes far beyond the dog awarding day. It becomes connection.”
That connection is at the heart of the Boots & Paws program.
What Boots & Paws Does
By providing companion dogs, often as the result of community fundraisers & sponsorships, Boots & Paws turns community support into something deeply meaningful and part of daily life — a companion whose impact grows over time.
One of non-profit Guardian Revival’s programs, Boots & Paws pairs eligible guardians (military, veteran, and first responders) with companion dogs who will become part of their family and daily life, eventually creating the kind of life-changing relationship Rocky had with Johnny Cake.
Unlike service dogs, these companions are awarded to guardians as puppies and their training is part of the recipient’s responsibility, which is part of the purpose: helping establish routines, connection, and a sense of purpose & accomplishment.
The companion dogs are provided at no cost to recipients, and each full package costs $5,000 to sponsor, which includes the cost of the dog plus the support needed to start life together. Alissa’s generous commitment to stepping up to fundraise & supporting the program is what makes these meaningful pairings possible.
The Guardians Rocky's Ruck Has Supported
For Elizabeth, Rob, Modesto, and Jolene, being recipients of these companions has meant a new family member and a new rhythm to everyday life. Rob and Elizabeth shared a little bit of what it’s been like so far.
Teddy with another furry family member
Rob, a first responder, was paired with Teddy in 2025:
“Teddy is the silliest, happiest boy I have ever met,” Rob said. “He lives for fun and simply does not permit anyone being in a bad mood when he is around. He is so friendly and social — he becomes instant best friends with everyone he meets. Even though he is almost 90 pounds now, he is convinced he is a lap dog, always making his best attempts to climb into your lap whenever you sit down.”
Most recently, Elizabeth, a first responder, was awarded a yellow Labrador retriever she named Daisy at Raise the Bar CrossFit in Wappingers Falls, New York, on October 9, 2026:
“Having our sweet girl has truly changed my life in ways I never could have imagined.”
Since bringing Daisy home, Elizabeth and her family have been discovering just how much personality — and mischief — one puppy can bring into a household. “You will see her scurry past you with my slipper or a big size 13 shoe.”
The happiness Daisy has brought into Elizabeth’s life hasn’t gone unnoticed by those closest to her:
“My family and I are so thankful to Guardian Revival and Rocky’s Ruck for giving us our amazing Daisy. My husband recently told me that he hasn’t seen me smile this much in such a long time — that alone speaks volumes about the happiness and love she has brought into my life.”
While their days are full of playtime and all of the activity that comes with having a puppy at home, it’s the quiet moments with Daisy that Elizabeth looks forward to the most. Before bedtime, she and Daisy spend time together, bringing the day to a close with the companionship she has come to treasure in such a short time.
Daisy at home with her new family
“My favorite time of the day is our special moments together before bedtime. Those quiet moments of love and companionship mean more to me than words can express.”
These seemingly commonplace moments provide a poignant portrait of what follows a companion dog awarding — a growing connection, a playful shift in everyday life, and a new companion becoming part of the family.
“The joy she has brought into our home is immeasurable. Although it has only been a month, I already cannot imagine life without her.”
Keep it Going
What makes Rocky’s Ruck different from a one-time gift is the relationship it keeps building. Alissa and her family stay connected to the guardians who receive dogs through their fundraising — getting updates, hearing stories, and watching the impact continue well past the day each dog is awarded.
That ongoing connection is also what keeps the fundraiser going year after year. It isn’t just fundraising for Alissa — it’s a continuation of what Rocky gave her father, passed forward to other guardians and families.
Want to be part of it?
Learn more about the Boots & Paws program — or make a donation now to support Guardian Revival & future awardings!