Nice story. My old dog, Ruff, who died last year, was getting very deaf (he could just barely hear you if you shouted as loud as you could in a small room) and slowly going blind, as well. I don't know what I would have done with him if he'd gone completely blind. I've heard of people raising deaf-blind dogs from when they're young, but I imagine it would be very hard on an old dog to get used to. As it was you could startle him really badly by sneaking up on him - apparently dogs' alertness when sleeping is triggered by sound, which he could no longer hear.
Sorry to hear about you losing your dog.
I lost one that was my best friend for 13 years. They are the most loyal friend one can have. I lost her in 2001 and still miss her. I even dream about her a lot.
Thanks for the ping. Good story.