This is the case for Dimboola's Alison Hall and her seeing eye dog Douglas.

Mrs Hall's first seeing eye dog, Douglas, is getting older and in turn needs some assistance as he continues his support for Mrs hall.

In comes seeing eye dog Enid to join Mrs Hall and Dougal.

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Mrs Hall has a degenerative eye condition called retinitis pigmentosa.

Mrs Hall said she knew with her adult children away and her husband away for long periods of time, she'd need to learn some new skills to maintain her independence.

A breakthrough came when she was matched with her first Seeing Eye Dog, Dougal.

"Before getting Dougal I struggled with confidence more than anything, and trusting my ability to cross the road," she said.

"I had to rely on myself and a white cane to get myself places. I trust the dogs more than I trust my cane."

Dougal won't be going anywhere, he'll just be enjoying his retirement as Enid joins the team.

"I was concerned that they might not get along but they're happy to snuggle up together in the sun through the window. Half of the time they sleep on the same bed. They're almost like siblings," Mrs Hall joked.

Mrs Hall said having Enid means she can continue to live independently.

"It means I can walk out my front gate and go for a walk without checking with my husband that he's available. I don't have to rely on somebody," she said.

"She keeps me active; it's been really good to be honest. Poor Dougal slowed down in his old age."

Training seeing eye dogs isn't cheap, but the value their give to their owners is priceless.

It takes up to two years and more than $50,000 to train one Seeing Eye Dog. Their average working life is eight years before they retire.

They provide a vital service to people who are blind or have low vision, keeping them safe, spotting obstacles and being their eyes.

To find out more about Seeing Eye Dogs, visit visionaustralia.org/ or call 1800 422 007.