Sorry Chris.
Pamela's right, you signed on for the whole package, even the end. Clearly you know that.
I've had to do this a few times, it's hard every time. And every time I've erred on the side of waiting too long. I say this with the benefit of hindsight. Not because I didn't want the bother, but I think I over emphasized the hope and the pleasure of their company and the pain of the loss compared to the quality of the life they were experiencing. I ... just don't think I'll wait as long next time. They don't seem to have any fear of death, certainly not like I fear death. But their enjoyment of life is plain, when it's there. I just hope I can be as sensitive to their suffering when that's there too.
You have an awful decision ahead of you. I can't make it for you, duh. But I stand by you as a member of another pack.
***
on a slightly different note, I think you're being robbed in the crematory department. I got a high price like that, but it was for a private cremation, with the specific cremains returned to me. I did not want that, a communal cremation with no ashes returned was only $50. Maybe there are a couple different choices for you... And yes, some are buried in the back yard.