Riona was cruelly set on fire — after a year of recovery, she’s finally going to her new home.

It is truly astonishing how some individuals can exhibit such cruelty towards dogs. A gentle dog named Riona endured immense suffering after being horrifically set on fire by her owner last year. However, nearly a year after that tragic event, Riona is finally on her way to a new home.

In June, residents of Nutbush, Tennessee, were confronted with a shocking scene as Riona, a pitbull mix, dashed down the street engulfed in flames. The strong odor of gasoline indicated that her suffering was intentional. “All you could smell was gas,” stated Mallory Mclemore of Bluff City Veterinary Specialists in an interview with the Memphis Commercial Appeal. “She was burnt and covered in diesel fuel… Witness statements confirmed she had been set on fire,” added Ginger Natoli, founder of Tails of Hope Dog Rescue, in a conversation with Newsweek. “We even obtained ring camera footage from a neighbor that captured her running in flames.”

Riona suffered the loss of one ear, but fortunately, her left eye was saved through emergency medical intervention. She was taken in by Tails of Hope Dog Rescue and received medical care at Bluff City Veterinary Specialists, where she underwent twice-daily full body wraps to protect her skin. A TikTok video detailing Riona’s story went viral, amassing millions of views and generating global sympathy for her plight.

Riona embarked on a lengthy recovery journey, undergoing a series of skin grafts to address the fourth-degree burns covering her body. Despite the trauma she experienced, Riona was reported to maintain a positive demeanor throughout her healing process. “She’s just always wagging her tail,” Mclemore remarked. “That’s what makes it even more heartbreaking. Not that it would ever be acceptable, but to see her so sweet and yet have someone do this to her is devastating. She simply loves everyone.”

“She’s actually quite charming with one ear,” Natoli noted in her comments to the Commercial Appeal. “It adds to her adorable personality.”
Tails of Hope has consistently provided updates regarding Riona’s recovery, while supporters have generously contributed donations and gifts for the dog.

In a related development, 43-year-old Quishon Brown was apprehended on charges of allegedly setting Riona on fire. He faces charges of misdemeanor assault along with two felonies: aggravated cruelty to animals and arson of personal property. The case is currently pending trial.

A recent Facebook post highlighted that Riona’s plight played a significant role in the passage of a new animal cruelty bill in Tennessee. As months went by, Riona’s health gradually improved. Recently, nearly a year after the incident, an uplifting update emerged: Riona is set to move to her new home!

Tails of Hope announced that they would undertake a ten-hour journey to deliver Riona to her forever home.

“Our objective was to secure a permanent home for her, and we have successfully achieved that,” Natoli stated to the Commercial Appeal. “Riona will have other dogs to interact with, children to play alongside, a spacious yard, and a family with medical expertise who understands her injuries. Riona’s journey is far from over; in fact, it is just beginning,” the rescue organization shared on Facebook. “We have all played a part in this miraculous story, our ‘warrior’ girl.”

In a poignant reminder of the ongoing efforts of animal rescues, Tails of Hope noted that immediately after Riona’s departure for her new home, they welcomed another rescue dog who had also suffered burns. “There is always another in need,” they remarked. “Now we have the opportunity to be part of yet another story.”

It is truly heartbreaking to consider what this sweet dog has endured, but we are overjoyed that a year later, Riona is on her way to her new home!

Please share this uplifting news! ❤️🐾