It’s truly heartbreaking how some people can be so cruel to animals. One such tragic story is that of Riona, a sweet dog who experienced unimaginable suffering when her owner set her on fire last year. But after a year of recovery, Riona is finally getting a fresh start in a new home.
The incident took place last June in Nutbush, Tennessee, where witnesses were horrified to see Riona, a pitbull mix, running down the street engulfed in flames. The smell of gasoline confirmed that this was no accident—someone had intentionally set her on fire.
Mallory Mclemore, a veterinarian from Bluff City Veterinary Specialists, told the Memphis Commercial Appeal, “The only thing you could smell was gas.” Ginger Natoli, the founder of Tails of Hope Dog Rescue, added in an interview with Newsweek, “She was burned and had diesel fuel all over her. Witnesses said she was set on fire. We even got footage from a neighbor’s ring camera showing her running while on fire.”
Despite the horrific ordeal, Riona survived, though she did lose an ear. Fortunately, doctors were able to save her left eye during the emergency treatment. Rescued by Tails of Hope Dog Rescue, Riona received the medical care she desperately needed at Bluff City Veterinary Specialists. Her recovery process included full-body wraps twice a day to protect her burned skin as it healed.
Riona’s story quickly went viral, thanks to a TikTok video that gained millions of views and touched the hearts of people worldwide. Her journey to recovery was long and painful, involving multiple skin grafts to treat the severe burns that covered much of her body. Despite everything she had been through, Riona remained resilient and positive, a fact that endeared her to everyone who heard her story.
“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 for her to be so sweet and for somebody to do something like this to her. She just loves everybody.”
Natoli echoed these sentiments, saying, “She’s actually kind of cute with one ear. It makes her personality even more endearing.”
Tails of Hope kept Riona’s supporters updated on her recovery through social media, and many people sent in donations and gifts to help with her care. In the meantime, the man accused of setting Riona on fire, 43-year-old Quishon Brown, was arrested and charged with assault, animal cruelty, and arson. His case is still pending trial.
In a silver lining to this awful story, Riona’s ordeal helped push forward new legislation in Tennessee aimed at strengthening animal cruelty laws. Her story inspired action and will help protect other animals in the future.
As time passed, Riona slowly but steadily recovered. And now, almost a year after that horrific day, she’s ready to move into her new home. Tails of Hope shared the exciting news that Riona will soon be taking a ten-hour road trip to meet her new family.
“We wanted to find her a permanent home, and we did just that,” Natoli told the Commercial Appeal. “Riona now has other dogs to play with, kids to run around with, a spacious yard, and a family that understands her medical history and past injuries.”
@justice4riona One year of unbelievable ✨growth✨ #justice4riona #tailsofhopedogrescue #pitbullsoftiktok ♬ The Climb – Miley Cyrus
Tails of Hope celebrated Riona’s new beginning on Facebook, writing, “Her story is far from over—it’s just beginning. We’ve all been a part of this miracle, and she truly is our warrior girl.”
The organization also reminded their supporters that the work of animal rescue is never done. As soon as Riona found her new home, they took in another dog suffering from burns. “There is always another animal in need,” they said. Now, they’re starting the journey of healing and hope with another deserving dog.
Riona’s story is a testament to the power of resilience and compassion. It’s devastating that she had to endure such cruelty, but one year later, we’re overjoyed that she’s headed to her forever home, surrounded by love and care.
