It’s truly unbelievable how cruel some people can be to dogs. A sweet pup named Riona suffered as much as anybody after being brutally set on fire by her owner last year.
But almost exactly a year after that horrific incident, Riona is finally going to her new home.
Last June, residents in Nutbush, Tennessee witnessed a shocking site as Riona, a pitbull mix, ran down the street engulfed in flames. The smell of gas made it clear that she had been intentionally set on fire.
Mallory Mclemore from Bluff City Veterinary Specialists said to the Memphis Commercial Appeal, “The only thing you could smell was gas.”
Ginger Natoli, who started the Tails of Hope Dog Rescue, shared with Newsweek, “She was burned and had diesel fuel all over her. Witnesses said she was set on fire. We even got some ring camera video from a neighbor that shows her running while on fire.”
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.
@justice4riona
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, who is 43 years old, was taken into custody for supposedly setting Riona on fire. The police have charged him with a minor assault and two serious crimes: animal cruelty and arson. Right now, the case is waiting to go to trial.
According to a Facebook post, Riona’s story also helped a new animal cruelty bill pass in Tennessee.