IN THE DARK...

These things are never easy to deal with and harder for the dog. The only thing that comes to mind is keeping him confined when you can't be there 24/7 to guide him. Too bad we don't have seeing eye dogs for dogs eh?
 
I really don't know what to say about this except for keeping him close all the time to help guide him until mother nature or science takes the last toll.
 
I am so sorry for you, I can imagine this is heartbreaking. Any other thoughts from anyone?

Years ago, my dog Sammy was about 16 before she left us,,,,,and I think she was pretty much blind.  But she got along just fine.   Most of the time you would have not known because she got used to knowing where to go and how to get there.
Years before that, I had a friend that had a giant poodle and I saw the dog several times at her house,,,and was shocked to find out the she was totally blind,,you would never had guessed it because the dog did so well.
So I don't know,,,I am thinking that as sad as this is,,your dog will also learn to get along just fine.
That said, I have  lots of people in my family that had cateract surgery,,,it sure seemed to me an easy surgery, I would not figure it would be that hard for your dog,,, I would talk sure talk to my vet about it.
Good luck,,I know this is hard!  

When Misty's vision started to really fail her, she was OK inside, but Shadow became her seeing eye dog OUTSIDE.  Now Shadow was just a little guy, but he sure took great care of his big sister!  It was really sweet to see that pup helping her around outside.  And he did it of his own accord.

Java is my blind dog and has learned to get along well by following furniture, walls, corners, etc.  Outside she uses edging around gardens to feel her way. We took her to the vet teaching hospital at UGA where she was given an anti-inflammatory eye drop called flurbiprofen to prevent the cataracts from turning to glaucoma.  Limited success, but it may be worth a try.

Here is a link with lots of info for you.

http://www.mysticpup.net/

Yep -- Dyan and Glenda are right -- **TRAINING**.  And encourage the other dogs to 'help' this dog.  They truly will.
 
I've had several dogs go blind from age (and several lose their hearing as well).  There are many MANY things you can do aside from trying to surgically correct the vision -- that's great if you can, BUT be aware -- vision is a dog's *weakest* sense anyway -- followed by hearing.  Neither are their primary way of navigating (surprise!!).  *Scent* is!!
 
First off -- ascertain if this dog can still see light.  That makes it easier.  Trying to 'call' a blind dog is great, but it's easier if you can turn on and off the porch light or flash a flashlight  (not IN the eyes) but to give them a beacon of light to follow.
 
Next -- go to your cupboard and snag some scents.  I'd bet I can name a couple right off you have:  vanilla, and maybe peppermint, almond??  Invest in a few essential oils at the health store -- peppermint, wintergreen, (I use orange oil and lemon oil all the time to clean with so I probably wouldn't suggest those *grin* -- use scents to dedicate to the dog's use).  But shoot -- they come in a zillion varieties -- from patchouli to eucalyptus. 
 
But you're gonna use 3-5 or so to start.  Start taking this dog around ON LEASH everywhere -- for a while until he re-learns his way around.  But train these -- take him TO a place with the oil on it (just a tiny dab is more than sufficient -- remember how sensitive their noses are).
 
Make one = **danger**.  Dab a tiny amount on the edge of the porch, or some place the dog would KNOW was dangerous if he could see!!  The edge of a porch, deck, etc. 
 
If you have a lot of stairs -- make one scent "down" (use at the top of the landing of a flight of steps that lead *down*.)  Make an entirely different scent mean "up" (so the dog knows he's reached a set of steps that goes UP).
 
A third scent needs to be corners and doorways.  Mark at either side of a doorway or at some major 'turn' that marks a hallway -- just to give him bearings.
 
Keep one specific scent for 'FUN'.  Does this dog show any interest in a tennis ball?  (he may not have in the past because he couldn't see the darn thing so just gave up on balls -- SO TRY IT).  A dab of a scent on *his* tennis ball -- rub it on his face and bounce it in front of him a bit.  Roll it 2" a and kinda help him 'find' it -- wow! You played BALL!!  You may find this dog likes to 'play' if he knows where the darned toy IS, and he will find it with scent.
 
Then also -- train family member scents.  Take the dog to Johnny -- and have Johnny pet him.  Then ... take him aside, and shove one of Johnny's shirts under his nose "Where IS Johnny -- find him!"
 
Yeah, I mean teach this dog to *track*!!  They will.  Catch on when this dog finds something by scent.  If you teach him and give him confidence he **will** respond to this.  Give him some successes and he will love this.  His life isn't over -- it's just beginning!
 
If you take him all over *on leash* -- and talk to him.  count steps -- no he's not going to understand math ... but he WILL get the drift that it's about 'so far' from the bedroom to the bathroom ... and you turn right at the hall and go 10 steps and you're at the kitchen ... or whatever.
 
If everyone chips in and helps this dog 'learn' -- he will gain confidence you won't believe.  Now that you've gotten rid of the nasty teeth -- he may have a good long life!!  If you have a mind to ... why not take him to a senior citizens home or nursing home -- just explain he is blind, and "sees with his nose" -- but you'll be amazed how many people are comforted by the fact that this dog that is old, toothless, still has a lot of zest and love for life.  This too will give him confidence.
 
Sorry -- I'm rambling.  I love pet therapy and I've seen it do such awesome things for so many senior dogs.(and young dogs too, right Luna??  My basset/beagle mix just had a major triumph herself yesterday *grin*)

Thank you so much for your help..I knew you guys would not only give good advice, but also help me feel better...Jake thanks you too..he's a great little dog..hopefully, the pack and I will help him adjust.  He seems not at all ready to give up!!