Furry and feathered friends who went to sea with their owners - a photographic exhibition at Eden's Killer Whale Museum

In a life from which children and families were usually missing, and were often very much missed, pets provided an important source of comfort and affection.

Sydney photographer Sam Hood boarded hundreds of ships moored in Sydney Harbour between 1900 and the 1950s. He took thousands of photographs of crew members, ranging from deck hands to the captain, as a souvenir of their visit or to send home to families and loved ones.

Nearly all the photographs were posed formal portraits. In some, the sitter chose to be photographed with their beloved pet.

More than just a ship's mascot, these animals and the crew members solemnly expressed the clear attachment that existed between them. Hood captured some of these relationships in his images, understanding the special role these animals played on a ship's journey.

The selection of photographs included in this exhibition shows how much pets meant to many seafarers.

We do not know who most of the people are - detailed records have not survived. But their attachment to their little shipmates is very apparent.

On loan from the Australian National Maritim Museum, Cats and Dogs - All at Sea consists of a selection of 23 black and white images with labels, illustrating the importance of furred and feathered friends on the vessels that plied the oceans, coasts and rivers.

The exhibition will be on display at the Eden Killer Whale Museum until May 15.