Celebrate the bond with your pet at Singleton Public Library in August

Published on 28 July 2025

An exhibition featuring formal portraits of sailors with their furry and feathered companions taken between the 1900s and 1950s is the foundation of a month-long celebration of pets at Singleton Public Library this August, which will also include a talk by Associate Professor Nancy Cushing, a recognised expert in human-animal relations.

Cats and Dogs: All at Sea is a touring exhibition from the Australian National Maritime Museum featuring the work of photographer Samuel Hood, who boarded hundreds of ships docked in Sydney Harbour to capture the pictures of thousands of crewmen including many with their beloved cats, dogs, birds and even monkeys.

The exhibition will run in the Library’s exhibition space from 1 August to the end of September, and will be launched by Associate Professor Nancy Cushing at a special event at the Library on Friday 8 August that will include a talk about petkeeping in Australia, with special mention of a Daschund called Valerie who made news after she was lost on Kangaroo Island for 400 days.

Dwight Graham, Singleton Council’s Director Corporate + Community Services, said the Library team was also keen to shine the spotlight on local pets of the modern day.

“The association between people and their pets is well documented throughout history as Associate Professor Nancy Cushing will attest, and Cats and Dogs: All at Sea is a particularly special exhibition because the images express the attachment between the sailors who spent so much of their lives away from their families and the animals who were their constant companions,” he said.

“It’s a wonderful theme that continues to resonate today, and why we’re calling on animal lovers of all ages in our community to send us a photo of your cherished pet—whether it’s formally posed like Samuel Hood’s images, or caught in a candid moment that captures their personality.

“We’ll display the photos alongside the Cats and Dogs: All at Sea exhibition in the Library foyer, and celebrate all the pets that mean so much to the people in our community right now.

“People can also donate their pictures to our Local History Collection, immortalising your favourite furry, feathered or scaled companion for future generations to enjoy.”

Mr Graham said the launch event would take place in the Library foyer at 11am and include light refreshments, and the exhibition would be open during the Library’s regular operating hours.

“We’re very fortunate to be included on the itinerary for Cats and Dogs: All at Sea, and to have someone of Associate Professor Nancy Cushing’s calibre visit our Library to share her expertise with our community,” he said.

“Best of all, both the exhibition and the launch event are free to attend.

“I hope as many people as possible will book a free ticket and come along to the launch event with Associate Professor Nancy Cushing, as well as send in a picture of their own pet and enjoy the exhibition throughout August and September.”

Everyone who submits a photo of their pet will also be in the running to win one of four gift cards. For more information about how to submit your photo and book your free ticket to the launch event, visit Singleton Public Library’s Facebook page.

Associate Professor Nancy Cushing Talk

Where: Singleton Public Library
Date: 8 August 2025
Time: 11am

Get free tickets

Photo credit: Australian Maritime Museum