[daguy]

I think it depends on how much you trust your brother in law. Will he follow the vets instructions on after-care? Will he know what signs to look for if Bam Bam just isnt... "right" after the surgery (ie: not eating, drinking, vomiting, etc)? I think I'd be worried about that, especially if brother in law isnt much of a "dog" person and won't be keeping a complete watchful eye on him at all times.