I assert that it can. My brother now cares for two more German Shepherds adopted from rescue shelters. He is also my health care power of attorney. I anticipate his experience with his beloved pets will provide him with the wisdom and compassion to make choices for me should circumstances so require.
Dr. Powell is associate professor of pediatrics at St. Louis University and a pediatric hospitalist at SSM Cardinal Glennon Children’s Medical Center in St. Louis. E-mail Dr. Powell at pdnews@elsevier.com.
* Author's changes made 5/10/2012.