The Exceptional Sidekick Service Dogs and Therapy Dogs

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The Exceptional Sidekick Service Dogs and Therapy Dogs

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Providing Psychiatric Service Dogs and empowering communities. It has grown into something so much more than that.

The Exceptional Sidekick is the only non-profit organization in the area that offers psychiatric service dogs to teens and young adults. The Exceptional Sidekick Service Dogs (TESSD) and Therapy Dogs is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. TESSD began as a way to help Newtown and our teens and young adults that are struggling with a psychiatric disability. Between our Service Dog at the Sandy Hook School to one of our dogs that is helping his handler attend Clarkson University, we have found that each dog has touched countless lives. We look forward to continuing our mission in Newtown and now also share this exceptional program with other communities within Connecticut. With one in four people suffering from a psychiatric disability we have a lot of work to do to break the stigma of mental illness and get people the help that they need.

10/21/2026

Take a few minutes to read through what some of our incredible puppy raisers have to say 💙

We are so lucky to have such a hard-working, passionate group and wanted to take a moment to spotlight why they volunteer for The Exceptional Sidekick. Our raisers choose to be a part of their pup’s journey every day! 🐾

10/20/2026

Throwback to when this handsome guy didn't even fill out his puppy vest 💙🥭

One of the best parts of puppy raising is watching our dogs grow up! Comment pictures of your puppy 🐶

10/05/2026

This past weekend some of our Service Dogs in Training visited Silverman's Farm 🍁🍎

We had so much fun enjoying all the fall festivities as part of our public access training. Plus our dogs make great models! 🤍

10/01/2026

Some love for a few of our black Service Dogs in Training 🖤

A reminder not to judge a pup by their coat! Comment pictures of your black dogs 🐾

09/25/2026

September is Service Dog Awareness Month 🐾💙

This month, we’re celebrating the incredible impact service dogs have on the lives of people with disabilities, and the dedicated raisers who help make that partnership possible!

Swipe to learn more about service dogs, what we do to raise them, and how you can support our mission. Link to donate ⬇️
💌
https://secure.givelively.org/donate/exceptional-sidekick-inc

09/23/2026

Last night, some of our wonderful Service Dogs in Training and their handlers attended the Su***de Prevention Awareness Walk at Sacred Heart University. 💜🩵

We are honored to be part of a community that comes together for such an important and vulnerable cause. ***dePreventionMonth

08/20/2026

There are a few more spots available!

Beat the craziness and take a moment to laugh and giggle with some puppies!

Summer's winding down and the school year is about to swallow everyone whole. Before the schedules get crazy and the homework starts piling up, come spend an afternoon on a yoga mat with your favorite person and a room full of 12-week-old puppies who have absolutely no idea how busy life is about to get. All levels welcome.

Sunday, August 23rd at 4:00 PM.

Please note that our puppies are babies with very sharp baby teeth, so we ask that attendees be adults or children 12 and older. And if you're coming solo, honestly, same. The puppies don't judge.

All proceeds benefit The Exceptional Sidekick Service Dogs, a nonprofit based right here in Newtown, CT. We train and place psychiatric service dogs with teens and young adults facing some of life's biggest challenges, because every young person deserves a sidekick.

Spots are limited, so grab your mat and reserve your place now!

Come for the yoga, stay for the puppy kisses, and leave knowing you made a real difference.

Link in bio or register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/back-to-school-puppy-yoga-to-support-the-exceptional-sidekick-service-dogs-tickets-1997603597133?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true

08/17/2026

HUGE shoutout to WAGS Doggie Daycamp & Boarding in Danbury for looking after Mochi and always giving our dogs Exceptional care! This message is approved by Mochi! 🐾

06/05/2026

CT’s only locally run AKC Recognized Therapy Dog Organization! If you have a dog that loves to visit with others and you have a strong desire to give back to the community, join our group in visiting local libraries, schools, hospitals, and community events. Our teams know that Therapy Dogs Know How to Heal!

Address

3 Simm Lane
Newtown, CT
06470

Telephone

+2032703647

Website

https://linktr.ee/exceptionalsidekick

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