Woman living rough in Croydon because she won't give up her dog
EXCLUSIVE
by Jessica Amuah
-
IT'S A DOG'S LIFE: Selene Woods and pet Eris
Pic by Kevin Shaw
A homeless woman is about to spend her fourth Christmas braving freezing temperatures on Croydon's streets - all because she refuses to abandon her pet dog.
Selene Woods, whose home is the Whitgift car park, says she has approached 30 private landlords in a bid to find permanent accommodation.
But the 29-year-old says none were willing to allow 11-year-old pooch Eris to move in with her.
"I can understand the landlords' no-pets policy but I just can't give Eris away," Selene explained.
"She's my companion, the only consistency I've had in my life in the last 11 years."
Selene has been homeless ever since she lost her place in a Lambeth Council hostel after what she claims was a benefits mix-up.
Now used to life on the streets she won't entertain the idea of going anywhere without Eris.
"People don't understand how valuable she is to me," she said.
"She's more than just a dog, she's like a member of my family. I would be lost without her."
Clare Kivlehan, project manager for animal welfare charity the Dogs Trust, says Selene is not alone in her plight.
She explained: "Homeless people care deeply for their dogs, look after them well and very often see them as their only real companion.
"At such a difficult time they are a source of comfort."
Life sleeping rough can be extremely dangerous for Selene and she is desperate to find accommodation for her and Eris.
She said: "There are more violent crimes happening in the area.
"Someone tried to mug me the other week but I had nothing worth taking.
"I want to find somewhere where I will be safe."
At the moment she pushes her worldly possessions, including her bedding, around in a pram.
"I've ended up like a posh bag lady," she said.
"Eris is very well-behaved and wouldn't cause any trouble.
"It is not right that I could be forced to give her away if I want a home. It is not an option for me right now."
25 Comments
View all
by ian, purley
Tuesday, January 13 2009, 8:07AM
“There has to be something wrong with someone if they spend four christmas seasons n the streets of central croydon. This must be through choice. Battersea dogs home for the B?t?h and a tin of dog food for Selene as for Eris a mince pie and a nice turkey dinner by a fire.”
by danny, west croydon
Friday, January 09 2009, 11:56PM
“i have seen her lying drunk in her own urine in the streets by west croydon train station and by american. She clearly needs psychiatric help as she has no concept of accomodation. She needs a kennel.”
by Scott, Croydon
Tuesday, December 23 2008, 12:09PM
“This woman is displacing her emotions somewhat on to her pet dog. I don't doubt she loves it and cares for it, but it stands between her and getting her life back on track. As it is she has found herself in a situation where she is living on the streets like a tramp.
These are not the actions of a healthy person, she must be unwell. The story plays out that she is in that situation because of the dog, but the facts are she is in that situation because she hasn't taken the appropriate action to rectify it.
Sometimes in life you have to let people go if they are not good for you, or holding you back, she needs to re-evaluate what her priorities in life are. Does she want to stay living in the streets or does she want to build a life for herself and get well?”
by Richard III, Croydon
Tuesday, December 23 2008, 10:54AM
“Wayne - You may love your dogs but I doubt you'd chose your dogs life over a humans. Or would you? Where does it stop, voting rights for cats? Bank accounts for horses?”
by Wayne, Croydon
Tuesday, December 23 2008, 10:11AM
“Richard III, unless you have dogs you dont realise the impact they have on your lives, and you cant understand how people feel about them. I have three dogs and they are a part of my family and are loved greatly, and I would do all i can to keep them happy.”
by Richard III, Croydon
Tuesday, December 23 2008, 10:01AM
“Charlotte, Thornton Heath - Theres a difference between loving an animal and being IN LOVE with an animal. Would I value a dog the same as a human? Don't be daft.”
by Charlotte, Thornton Heath
Tuesday, December 23 2008, 12:02AM
“Where is Whitgift car park? I don't know these things as I can't drive. I think I'll go along with a tin of dog food for Eris & a mince pie for Selene.
Richard - it's abnormal NOT to love animals.”
by The bills keep adding up, Croydon
Monday, December 22 2008, 8:26PM
“She clearly doesn't need a house. If it was a matter of life and death fair play to her. I suggest that some of the people on this site let her and the dog stay with them if they believe so strongly about her plight. I hear Coventry is nice this time of year.”
by I Clark, Coventry, England
Monday, December 22 2008, 7:57PM
“I am an animal artist, specialising in painting peoples pets. Most of the commentators above obviously have no great feeling for any pet. Many people in this country dote on their pets and their pets dote on them, and why not!!! There is too little love and kindness around as it is. Try and find a bit of compassion for another soul in distress.
I hope you do find somewhere to live where your dog will be welcomed.”
by Richard III, Croydon
Monday, December 22 2008, 11:49AM
“Some of the comments on here are beyond belief... Charlotte, Thornton Heath would rather DIE than be separated with her dog. You need to be sectioned love, your obviously barking mad. And williams, east coast you say if the landlord said no children, would youthen get rid? Sorry mate but you're obviously living in la-la land with Charlotte, Thornton Heath if you think that ever going to happen. They're dogs, not humans. Given half the chance I bet they would try and eat you.”