A death in the family

Over night my sons ageing rabbit passed away, he bought him about 9 years ago with his birthday money.  My son is 19 now, he came in yesterday in tears because the rabbit was quite obviously suffering from old age, he spent most spare time he could with it, and checking on it, between work and bed.  This morning he tapped very gently on my door and came in in tears to inform me that poor Sherb had passed in his sleep, and that he would take the dog for her normal walk before work and give Sherb his funeral this evening when he gets home.  The dog has been outside to the hutch a few times today whining at the hutch.  She seems to understand, but not quite.  All of this and the fact that my treatment doesn't seem to be going brilliantly at the moment.  Lots of pain which seems to be spreading beyond they normal sites.  The consultant now has me on 14 painkillers per day of varying strength along with other tablets to try to protect my stomach lining and to try to reduce the inflammation of the liver.  I have started to worry about how my son will cope when anything happens to me, and how the dog will cope, much as I love her, she is great company, how will she understand.  How will they all cope.