A New Prescription for Post-NFL Pain: How a Service Dog Helps an Ex-Lineman Cope

September 22, 2016   ·   Mike Tanier   ·   Jump to comments

Brian Schaefering went to the movies with his wife in early July. They saw Central Intelligence, starring The Rock and Kevin Hart, at their local theater. 
Date night for a young couple isn't exactly breaking news, even when that couple has four young children. But the Schaeferings had not gone to the movies together for nine months. In fact, Brian had rarely left the house at all.
Brian Schaefering, 33 years old, an NFL defensive lineman from 2009 through 2012, has significant brain damage. He has post-traumatic stress disorder, as well as a host of more mundane football-related injuries and issues that make getting around a challenge. He battles severe depression and, sometimes, suicidal urges. Public places and crowds make him angry, agitated and paranoid. He'd usually be unable to enjoy a simple trip to the multiplex.
But Schaefering and his wife were not alone in the theater for this date night. Their companion was Niklaus, the first-ever service dog trained sp...

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