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.
The old dog is still hanging in, let her outside this morning to pee, and watched her go, then laid down in the -36 snow. I think she just wanted it over. Called her back inside. I have seen the same with the elderly, there comes a point they have had enough.
The old dog is done, She had a good life, I will get her in the ground tomorrow. Down to one dog now.