Photos sought of water-loving pets

THE National Wool Museum is on the lookout for pet lovers and their furry friends who love the water to be part of a just-opened exhibition.

The photos will be used in a slideshow projection as part of Cats and Dogs All at Sea, which will run until July 20.

Those who submit a photograph before July 14 will have a chance to be featured, with all submissions in the running to win one of five family memberships to the museum.

Cats and Dogs All at Sea, on loan from the Australian National Maritime Museum, features 23 photographs by Sydney photographer Sam Hood, who captured just how much dogs and cats were cherished by those on sea voyages from the 1900s to the 1950s.

Hood took hundreds of photographs of crew members for souvenirs of their visit or to send home to families.

The exhibition also features 40 objects from the Geelong Naval and Maritime Collection, including celestial navigation tools, a ship builder’s model of the SS Courier and a photograph album documenting the 1934 Royal Cruise of HMAS Australia II with the Duke of Gloucester and his dogs.

National Wool Museum director Padraic Fisher is keen for the community to join in and be a part of their museum.

“This is your chance to be part of the Cats and Dogs All at Sea exhibition, share your story and celebrate your animal companion,” he said.

“So, come aboard, join the fun and be part of the crew at your museum.

“You might also win one of five family memberships to the museum for 2025.”

Geelong mayor Stretch Kontelj also encouraged community members to share their favourite photos of their pets by the sea.

“Greater Geelong has one of the largest animal populations of any Victorian municipality, with around 38,000 cats and dogs registered,” he said.

“They bring us so much joy, so we would love to see how your furry friends enjoy our beautiful coastline, as well as seaside spots outside the region.”

To submit a photograph, head to geelong.link/All-at-Sea .