Today we had a blind pug come into work which is not unusual at all. Very often we have blind dogs come in for grooming but most of the time they are on the older side and their sight has been taken from them due to their age. However, there are cases in which canines simply go blind suddenly, often because of SARDS (Sudden Acquired Retinal Degeneration Syndrome). When a dog goes blind it is often seen to be harder on the owner than on the dog him/herself.A dog's sight is number three on the list of senses, after smell and hearing. When we look at it this way, it almost seems a lot more manageable for a dog to accept his/her blindness. We often struggle more, imagining what it would be like for a human to go through something as terrible as sudden blindness.

I looked up some tips to help owners with blind to manage and to more importantly, help their pets manage:

1. Try not to move furniture around or leave obstacles on the floor.
2. Remember we take things so much harder than they do and they also pick up on our emotions.  So try to express  "happy" emotions around your blind baby
3. Emphasize the senses they still have:
   A blind dog/pup-their sense of smell, hearing, taste and touch
   A blind/deaf dog-their sense of smell, taste and touch (they can feel vibrations-especially when you walk)
4. Ask people to let your dog "smell" their hand before touching them.  Most blind dogs personalities don't change. Some dogs however can easily become "startled" and this could  also lead to fear biting in some dogs.  
5. Try to treat them as normal as possible.  Building their confidence is key to letting them know they can still do things and that you still love them....let them know they are still the same  dog in your eyes.  For a blind pup it can be the basis for what type of personality they will developed.  
6. Coax, encourage and praise them to do the same things they did before.  However, understand and still praise them if they "can't".  
7. Be creative with different scents to mark areas for your blind babies--just make sure its safe for them.  You can use different scents of flavored extracts or even something as simple as hanging a car air freshener or potpourri sachet on a door.  Using different scented candles in each room may also help your dog distinguish from different rooms in your house
8. Use textured materials to mark areas. Throw rugs and decorative pillows are great (and people don't even realize their "Real" purpose). Indoor/outdoor carpeting, wind chimes and something as simple as cedar chips or decorative bricks or blocks can help guide them along their way outside. 
9. Use bells or jingling tags on your other dogs.. not only help your blind babies to find/follow  your other dogs, but will also avoid them from being startled by your other dogs.  You can also use bells on your shoes to help them find you
10.  Don't be afraid to walk with a "heavy foot" when approaching them especially with a blind/deaf baby....they can still feel vibrations. 
11. Don't under estimate the power of touching and massage. 
12. Be very vocal with your dog.
13. A tabletop fountain can be used as a water bowl. Get a simple one with a large bowl and the sound of running water helps to orient the blind dog and helps him to find his water bowl as well as know where he is from the sound. Some dogs like drinking from running water too! This can be especially helpful if you have to move to a new home with a blind dog.
    (http://www.blinddogs.com/tips.htm)

Poem about a Blind Dog 
by Sherrill Wardrip

I cannot see you Mommy, when you cuddle me so near.
And yet I know you love me, it's in the words I hear.
I cannot see you Daddy, when you hold me by your side
But still I know you love me when you tell me so with pride.

I cannot see to run and play out in the sun so bright
For here inside my tiny head it's always dark as night.
I cannot see the treats you give when I am extra good
But I can wag my tail in Thanks just like a good dog should.

"She cannot see. The dogs no good" is what some folks might say
"She can't be trained, she'll never learn She must be put away."
But not you, Mom and Daddy You know that it's all right
Because I love you just as much as any dog with sight.

You took me in, you gave me love and we will never part
Because I'm blind with just my eyes, I see you in my heart.