Sometimes sudden death is better. At least the animal did'nt suffer much. My cat was battling cancer for some time, one day he just vomitted out his dinner and went into hiding. The next day he appeared to be very weak, behind my sump. Could'nt even move the tail. Few hours later, no response. I had to pull his dead body out by his tail between the sump tank and the wall. At least you did'nt have to handle your dead pet that way.