Behind the Scenes Interview: Melisa, Part 3

 This is the third part in a series of interviews with Melisa, a water truck driver on the wildfires who helped in the rescue of Li'l Smokey. Part 1 can be found HERE and part 2 is HERE.

"Lollypop Distraction" - by Ryan M. Lamb

Adam: So the plan was to slip into camp unobserved and get Li’l Smokey to the medical tent, how did that work?

• Melisa: We were surprised by the news crews awaiting our arrival. They had obviously been listening in to our radio communications. On arrival, I took off my Nomex Jacket and covered Li'l Smokey in Adams arms to protect him from the news crews. I didn't want them to overstimulate or scare him.

Adam: So we worked our way past the cameras and slipped into the medical tent. The staff there knew I was coming in to get some medical treatment, but no one had told them about the bear. After they got over their disbelief (“yes, I do have a bear under this jacket”) how did it go from there?

• Melisa: The personnel in the medic unit were very kind and eager to help. We had expected a Vet to be there. The medical personnel did a very good job deciding what to do to help Li'l Smokey. We all kept the environment very calm and made sure no flashes were used on the cameras for Li'l Smokey comfort.

Adam: The medical staff was trained to help people, not bears. They were able to reach a veterinarian over the phone who gave them some good advice. What happened next?

• Melisa: Decisions were made not to give Li'l Smokey water as he may need sedation for transport or possible surgical procedures. Adam and I continued to try to keep Lil'Smokey calm. This is were the lollipop came in to play! That was so adorable how Lil'Smokey really liked the lollipop! His little tongue was going crazy on the lollipop! I felt very attached by now. He was muzzled for safety reasons then an attempt to insert an IV into his shoulder area was made. This was the only time Li'l Smokey cried out since his initial rescue. It made me emotional and I left the tent for a few minutes.

Adam: We had to wait a long time before the representative from Fish and Game was able to make it to our camp. After a while, I needed to stretch my legs (I had sat with one leg crossed for what seemed like and hour and it was totally asleep). Someone needed to hold Li’l Smokey while I took a break. It had to be someone I felt I could trust. Who better to choose than you. Someone took a picture of you looking like a proud mother, describe what it was like to hold him.

• Melisa: Holding Li’l Smokey was amazing. I didn't think of him as a "wild bear". Just thought of him as a BABY bear that was seriously hurt and probably real scared. It was sad that he had to go through so much. I knew then, that I would remember that moment FOREVER.   Melisa and Li'l Smokey. Courtesy Brian Buckhout

Adam: The media came in and took a lot of pictures. They also wanted to interview you. How did that go?

• Melisa: George was urging me to speak to the news people as they kept approaching me. My mind was on all that was going on. I have never been good with even home video cameras! At one point I held the mic and talked with them a couple minutes. I felt so awkward! How funny, I am just not at ease with that stuff!

Adam: So Fish and Game came to take Li’l Smokey away. What happened then?

• Melisa: Fish and game now took Lil'Smokey away in a cage. I was relieved that he was now going to be getting the care he needed, but very sad to see him go. This fabulous experience was now over. I hopped in the truck with George who took me back to the drop point. [laughing] we did stop along the way as each of us called our moms to tell them of the experience! How cute is that! Upon returning to the Drop Point I finished out my shift. My Division Supervisor wished he was able to see the bear cub, but we has too far away at the time. That night I got a call from my 10 year old daughter so excited because she saw me on the news. She showed her friends and teacher at school the next day. I am honored that I got to be a part of the rescue.

Adam: There were a lot of people who helped during the rescue and treatment. Who do you credit for helping Li’l Smokey survive?

• Melisa: I think everyone did what they could to make the rescue a success. Adam, myself, George, the medic personnel, the news telling the story, the Tahoe rescue center, the brave people there for his release. Li'l Smokey had a lot of caring people to help him when he needed it.

Adam: Do you have any final thoughts on the whole experience?

• Melisa: I think there are moments in life that cause us to rise up and do better. Moments that draw total strangers together for an act of kindness. These are the moments we never forget. The whole experience of helping with the rescue of Lil'Smokey was amazing. An experience that you know is huge while you are in the moment as opposed to later on! A true once-in-a-lifetime fabulous experience.

Adam: Do you have any regrets?

• Melisa: The only regret I have was not being able to attend Li'l Smokey's release into the wild. Being a part of Li'l Smokey rescue was a blessing in my life

Thanks so much for sharing with us Melisa!

Comments

[denise brown]

Oh I could only imagine the feeling of holding that precious little guy!!! Nice interview. Yes that 1 magical lil cub has brought a lot of great people together.

[Linda - Sierra Foothills]

WOW, Adam and Melisa!!! Doing what is right, at the time it happens and caring so deeply is really experienced as a reader of this amazing adventure. I am happy Melisa was able to hold Li'l Smokey and that you all protected him from the flash of cameras. Not everyone would have known to do this! Very special. Very special indeed.