We have been providing what amounts to hospice care for Emily the cat for so long that this isn't a huge traumatic event--we've been expecting this every time she's had a flare up since 2014. If this is the final one, then we'll be sad, but I think we've gotten most of the mourning out of the way in advance. (And if she pulls off yet another miracle, we won't even be surprised, either.)
And yes, for those following along at home, this is the third trip to the emergency vet in the last few weeks. But it's always different pets, so that's something, I guess?
ETA: For those not on Twitter, last weekend was Gir the beagle, and a gaping head wound. We don't know how he did it. He was all "I GET TO GO IN THE CAR" and I was all "Buddy, I am looking at your skull' and he was all "CAR CAR CAR" so at least one of us was happy. He is healing up beautifully, though.
Incidentally, if you have the choice between the two, gaping head wound is SO MUCH CHEAPER than renal failure. Dear god.