If you are going to try to create your own excuse, you need to consider a few things.

Firstly, think about your situation and use something that COULD potentially happen. You can't tell people that your dog has died..... again.

Secondly, make sure it's not overly complex - it'll look bad if you tell a few different people slightly different stories.

The BEST excuses are the ones that play on peoples emotions. "I can't come to your wedding, because my 5 year old child is booked in for a hospital appointment" never fails to get a an "awwwwww." It DOES require, however, that you actually do own children.

And if you were to use the "Of course he had a painless death", you're probably best wearing a white coat, carrying a stethoscope around and chatting up nurses.

The BEST things to lie about are your kids, elderly relatives, pets, problems at home, partners, and addiction.