My Blessings and Prayers to you Pete:
I was faced last November with a similar situation with my 14-1/2 year old Cat, Speedee. Everyone told me that I should put her down, so she wouldn't suffer. I didn't want to do that, I wanted her to go naturally. I am so glad that I waited, because she really only dealt with whatever was wrong, for a couple of Weeks. {I know that for an animal, that is probably somewhat of a long time}. She would cry out, but sometimes it sounded more like "Where Are You" when other times I knew she was dealing with some Pain.
The most unfortunate thing that I faced, was that I didn't have any extra Money to take her to the Vet's, to even just find out what was wrong with her, even if there might not be any hope for Treatment.
I had her Body Cremated and I have her Ashes in a beautiful Cedar Wood Box, that looks like a Jewlery Box. It was a part of the Cremation process and also included a Brass Plate with Inscription on it. They couldn't get everything that I wanted on the Plate and I asked how much another Plate would cost and he told me that he would do another one at no Charge for me.
I got a Certificate of Cremation and the beautiful "Crossing the Rainbow Bridge" Writing also included all for $125.00.
Take care Pete, you know that you've got a big Circle of Friends here who care and who look out for each other, when we all have our times of needs.
Peace, Blessings, Prayers, Kind Regards and a Hug, Steve
SactoTeddyBear0503...