It’s shocking how heartless some individuals can be towards dogs. A gentle dog named Riona endured immense pain after her owner cruelly set her on fire last year.
But almost exactly a year after that horrific incident, Riona is finally going to her new home.
In June, residents of Nutbush, Tennessee were stunned to see Riona, a pitbull mix, sprinting down the street while on fire. The strong odor of gasoline indicated that she had been deliberately ignited.
@justice4riona Humans covered her in gas and set her on fire. She was running down the street covered in flames. Yet all she wants to do is to love on everybody! Share her story! #justice4riona #tailsofhopedogrescue #dogsoftiktok #dogrescue #shareherstory ♬ Surrender – Natalie Taylor
Mallory Mclemore from Bluff City Veterinary Specialists said to the Memphis Commercial Appeal, “The only thing you could smell was gas.”
Ginger Natoli, founder of Tails of Hope Dog Rescue, told Newsweek, “She was covered in diesel fuel and had been burned. Witnesses reported that she was set on fire. We even received ring camera footage from a neighbor showing her running while ablaze.”
Riona lost her ear in an accident, but luckily, doctors were able to save her left eye during the emergency treatment. She was rescued by Tails of Hope Dog Rescue and got the medical care she needed at Bluff City Veterinary Specialists. To help her heal, she received full body wraps twice a day to keep her skin safe.
A TikTok video of Riona’s story went viral with millions of views, garnering sympathy for Riona around the world.
Riona started a tough journey to heal, going through several skin grafts to help with the severe burns covering her body. Even though the experience was really hard for her, people said she stayed positive during her recovery.
“She’s just always wagging her tail,” Mclemore said. “That’s what makes it even worse, I guess. Not that it would ever be OK, but just being so sweet and for somebody to do something like this to her. She just loves everybody.”
“She’s actually kind of cute with one ear,” Natoli told the Commercial Appeal. “It makes her personality cute.”
Tails of Hope continued to share updates of Riona’s recovery, and supporters sent in donations and gifts for the dog.
Quishon Brown, aged 43, has been arrested for allegedly setting Riona on fire. He faces charges of minor assault along with two serious offenses: animal cruelty and arson. The case is currently pending trial.
According to a Facebook post, Riona’s story contributed to the passage of a new animal cruelty bill in Tennessee.
Time passed, and gradually, Riona began to heal. Now, nearly a year after the tragic day of her burns, there’s exciting news: she’s ready to move into her new home!
Tails of Hope wrote that they would be embarking on an ten-hour road trip to bring Riona to her new forever home.
Natoli told the Commercial Appeal, “Our goal was to find her a forever home, and we succeeded. Riona now has canine companions, children to play with, a large yard to explore, and a family that is knowledgeable about medical care and aware of her previous injuries.”
“Riona’s story is not coming to an end, in fact it is really just beginning,” the rescue wrote on Facebook. “We have all been a part of this miracle, our ‘warrior’ girl.”
Tails of Hope emphasized that the efforts of animal rescues are never-ending. They noted that shortly after Riona was adopted, they took in another rescue dog who had experienced burns. They stated, “There is always another animal in need.” Now, we have the opportunity to assist with another significant story.
What a horrible thing for this poor sweet dog to go through, but we’re so happy that a year later Riona is off to her new home!
Please share this inspiring update! 
