I spent parts of the last 3 days digging a grave. I am about down to my hips when standing in it. That will be enough. I don't think one of my dogs will make the winter and I needed the grave dug before the ground freezes up. I put my dogs down myself when the times comes, always have. It is harder to do as I get older but I have found a easer way. I give them a strong muscle relaxant, let that sit for a hour, then will give them a couple strong pain killers like Morphine sulfate. The combo lays them flat out asleep and feeling no paid. Then the .22 comes out.