Is the Opossum Dead

It is 4:55 a.m. The dogs are going crazy. I turn and see a wet opossum lying two feet away. Is the opossum dead? Should I pick it up? Not by the tail unless I wear gloves. Maybe I could scoop it up in my shovel What if Buddy our dog brings this carcass Into our house through the dog door? He has enormous teeth that chew up everything. But what if this creature is not dead? What if it is playing opossum? I call the dogs into the house Staring at the garbage can, putting gloves on Gearing up Hoping he will not bite me Hoping he is not playing opossum The dead opossum jumps up and runs off