Hugs sorry to hear about the young friend passing. My son, probably about the same age group, lost 2 friends in the last 2yrs, one found by his parents in bed, just didn't wake and the other not sure what happened, but similar thing.
You're lucky to have your holiday home Smiles have a lovely time with your doggies. That's the lovely thing, that you can take your dogs with you, I don't want to leave mine, he is so needing of me, even with my son here, when I go out my little dog sits by the door whimpering, I'm sure not all the time, but just when my routine changes. They do seem to know how your week goes. My little dog is sitting by the front door, [can see he's white fluffy tail wagging like mad] even before I have got my key out, he must hear my car coming back, which is quite remarkable without a driveway.
Had a holiday in the New Forest with my sister-in-law and her friend, plus my DD, years back. My s.i.l had brought her cat and had her on a lead, so cute.