I'm sorry for your loss josh.
The only advice I can give is...plan for the unexpected.
The AV is absolutely without scruples - It can take a tragedy like the loss of a family pet and turn it into an occasion for drinking.
Back in the day, I did it too, and I'm really sorry I did because it solved nothing, made me feel worse and my pet deserved better from me.
I try and keep times like that in my head for easy recall - it saved me a few times when I was trying to get this sober thing down.
I'm always talking about plans - a basic plan can be as simple as promising yourself to post here before you drink - and not just post and run - really ask for help and really wait for help to be delivered.
will it be hard not to drink? absolutely?
will not drinking be worth it? again - absolutely
D