In response to "Blind Ferret"
 
We had that happen, too.  We had an aging female sable.  I'm not 100%
sure it was sudden, but I know it was due to her age.
 
In the beginning, she would do the same thing, bump into walls and start
when I would pick her up.  We were very worried, too.  I knew there was
nothing we could do about the sight, but I started to think about how
some human families deal with formerly sighted people going blind.  The
most successful did not indulge the sightless, rather they treated them
like anyone else, right?  Well, in its most basic sense, that's what we
did, too.
 
We made sure we talked alot when we were around her, so she knew we were
there.  We gave her 'landmarks', by scratching the area we were standing
in, so she knew where we were.  I especially made sure to vocalize just
before I picked her up, and eventually, the startled reaction stopped.
Sure, she still bumped into walls a bit, but she kind of used that to
help her get around.  All in all, she was fine and adjusted well.  As I'm
sure will be the same for you.  If you have other fuzzies, they'll know
what to do for Lucille as well.
 
This is in memory of Jasmine, my little angel.  We just recently helped
her over the bridge.  She was 7, blind, arthritic, but knock on wood,
not a disease in sight.  Mommy and Daddy love you, Momma.  Till we meet
again.
 
Maryann
[Posted in FML issue 4920]