Folks, thanks to all for your advice, kind words and thoughts. Ted and evo803, I'm so sorry for your losses.
Island Tractor, I have an HF nearby, do you know the actual name of that metal bar thing? Trying to find stuff there by description can be challenging .
I did go to Home depot tonight and got a pickaxe.
I guess I'll just see how things go and hope for the best, try the fire, the pickaxe, and consider cremation as a backup. Somehow, I have always found some comfort in burial of our dogs here at our home. Doesn't make any sense, but there it is.
Perhaps Robbie will yet defy the odds and hang in there for awhile.
Thanks again, everybody.
Ken