I find picking up the ashes a very difficult thing to do. My head literally swims and I get a feeling like I'm going to pass out when they hand it to me. So, it is something you need to prepare for and if possible, have someone else drive you there or as someone else said, maybe your hubby could pick them up for you.
I lost Wonder in August and I had to go right back to the vet's with one of my other dogs too soon for my comfort but that's how it goes. The vet tech told me Wonder's ashes were there, but I couldn't deal with it *that day*. The receptionist didn't know I had told the vet tech I couldn't deal with it that day and she headed to get them, and I had to tell her no, not today. Once I got home, I had incredible guilt that I had left Wonder behind and he'd want to be home. Oh, the things we do to ourselves! But that's the thing - we do this to ourselves. The ashes don't care where they are. The dog's spirit is with you. The ashes can be with you when you're ready.