It’s truly shocking how some people can be so cruel to dogs. Riona, a gentle pup, experienced similar mistreatment when her owner horrifically burned her last year.
Nearly a year after this tragic incident, Riona is finally moving into her new home.
Last June, Nutbush, Tennessee, residents witnessed a heartbreaking scene: Riona, a pit bull mix, sprinting down the street, engulfed in flames. The smell of gasoline suggested that someone had intentionally set her on fire.
“The only thing you could smell was gas,” Mallory McLemore from Bluff City Veterinary Specialists shared with the Memphis Commercial Appeal.
According to Newsweek, Ginger Natoli, founder of Tails of Hope Dog Rescue, confirmed, “She had diesel gasoline all over her.” Witnesses reported seeing her set alight, with a neighbor’s ring camera capturing footage of her running while ablaze.
Despite losing an ear, Riona’s left eye was saved through emergency surgery. Tails of Hope Dog Rescue took her in, and Bluff City Veterinary Specialists provided intensive medical care. She needed full-body wraps twice a day to help her skin heal.
A TikTok video about Riona’s ordeal went viral, gaining millions of views and sympathy worldwide.
Riona faced a long recovery, undergoing numerous skin grafts for the severe burns across her body. Despite the pain, she remained sweet-natured, as many observed during her recovery.
“She’s always wagging her tail,” McLemore noted. “It makes it harder because she just loves everyone.”
“She’s actually kind of cute with one ear,” Natoli remarked. “It adds to her personality.”
Tails of Hope kept supporters updated on Riona’s progress, and many donated to help with her care.
Quishon Brown, 43, was arrested and charged with assault, animal cruelty, and arson for allegedly setting Riona on fire. His case is currently awaiting trial.
Riona’s story also led to the passage of a new animal cruelty law in Tennessee.
Her condition slowly improved, and nearly a year after her injury, Riona is ready to move into her new home! Tails of Hope will be driving ten hours to deliver her to her forever family.
“We wanted to find her the perfect home, and we did just that,” Natoli shared. “Riona now has other dogs to play with, kids to entertain her, a big yard, and a family experienced with medical care who understands her past.”
It’s heartbreaking that this sweet pup endured such cruelty, but we’re thrilled that Riona has finally found a loving home.