Thursday, November 20, 2008

Ode To Uma

Uma Cortes 1995-2008

On Monday, 10 November 2008, after 13.5 years, we lost our great companion and friend, Uma. Some souls seem to transcend species and Uma was definitely one.

I met Uma in 1995, when she was just a few months old. I was working on the film "Let It Be Me" and one of the editors, Carol asked if anyone could adopt a dog - one of her friends found a dog in Central Park as a puppy and couldn't take care of her anymore.

That was our Uma.

She didn't get the name Uma until she moved in with us in Soho and our roommate Diana named her after the star of "Pulp Fiction". Tara and I didn't care about the name, we just loved her.

Uma loving the snow



I never had a dog and I didn't know how close you could become with another being. We understood each other; after years of adventures and interacting we knew each other so well. Uma was a great defender, a gentle and kind soul (she was so tender with children and babies, even during her rambunctious years), so very funny and absolutely graceful. Her long, white eyelashes were so beautiful. Her black ears stood at attention when she was alert or excited. What a beauty.

Beautiful long eyelashes

Elegante!




Moving to Brooklyn was interesting for both of us. We'd never been able to play off-leash, unless she was in the Hamptons. Fort Greene and Prospect parks allowed us to run around, have fun and provided us with the most stunning backdrop for our lives .

Uma in Fort Greene Park



Without Uma I would have never met Fernando. Walking to the park each day we passed the lovely cafe where he worked. I remember the first time he met Uma, he'd made a smoothie for me and she got so excited that she knocked it out of my hand and all over the sidewalk. She loved Fernando immediately - and she was the best judge of character.

I am so grateful that we became a family.

On our way to celebrate Fernando + my wedding anniversary in PA

Sweet pumpkin

Uma loved the beach and with much happiness, Fernando and I were able to take her back to Montauk two weekends ago. She walked in the grass again.

Happy in the grass

Fernando carried her down all the way down to the sand and we all sat there watching the waves come in.






A young lab and a couple followed us and they made their way to the log where we'd run around and giddily posed for photos three years ago. We watched them. We made sure Uma was comfortable.

Fernando and Uma


On the way back, we stopped to see our family and they each gave Uma their love. Her tail couldn't wag anymore but she was happy.



I am so honored to have known Uma and to have spent over 13 years by her side. I will always love her. She will always be a part of us.






Uma & Barbara - I miss them both.



7 comments:

Anonymous said...

Fela, what a beautiful photo essay, an excellent capsule of Uma's happy life with you and Fernando. I'm so sorry she's gone sweet girl, love you, lynda

Sun Follower said...

Aw, I am sorry to hear about Uma... what a beauty!

Anonymous said...

Sorry to hear about Uma, Fela. I lost my Lucy a couple of months ago. It sounds like she had a great life, compliments of you and Fernando. I miss Barb alot, too. The picture of Barb with Uma was a nice suprise. Hope you're well, and I think of you often. Take care, Chris ( Barb's L.A. friend )

baba's second design said...

Thank you sweetest Lynda & Barb. Chris, I am so sorry about your Lucy. Man it's a lot of loss, but wow we were lucky, huh? Uma loved some Barbara Fierros. I think of you & Becky on the steps of Barb's house and I smile. Thank you Chris....xoxo

Anonymous said...

Hi dear, sweet Fela,
Chris told me about the blog but not to look because it would make me sad - and he's right but I am happy to see you remain your sweet, tender self. I'm sorry about Uma. Barb always spoke of her and I thought she was a person! Each time she started talking about you and Uma doing things, I'd have to ask "Uma? Did I meet her? Who is she?" And Barb would say, Fela's dog, dragging out the word "dog" like I was such an idiot to be asking AGAIN : ) Such is the influence they had upon us. Can you send me a copy of the photograph of Uma and Barb? I haven't asked for any of the photos I've seen whizzing over the net - although I would have liked a copy of Barb holding the semi-automatic, with the Patti Hearst photos all around : ).

I hope you and Fernando remain well, Fela....
Love and Puta Kisses -
Terri

Candace said...

Fela -
I am so late in knowing about Uma's passing. I haven't read your blog in so long. I am so so sorry for your loss. Anyway, that picture of her and Barb really made me teary. I am glad you guys had the chance to go to the beach together before she passed.
XO Candace

baba's second design said...

Thank you so much Candace. What a tough year it was. Uma loved Barbara (and her apartment) - she'd drag me from the park and sit on her stoop, whether Barb was there or not. The beach memories with Uma are so vivid and such a source of happiness for us. Hope you're well too! Huge hug!