It’s truly hard to comprehend how anyone could be so heartless towards animals. They are loving, loyal creatures who barely ask for anything in return. Yet, we see these callous acts time and time again. Thankfully, this tale of animal cruelty has a happy ending. A Pit Bull mix named Riona endured unimaginable suffering when she was horrifically set on fire by her owner. However, nearly a year after the terrifying ordeal, Riona’s life has taken a turn for the better—she’s finally on her way to a loving home.
The community of Nutbush, Tennessee, witnessed a harrowing sight. Riona was seen running down the street, her body engulfed in flames. The strong odor of gasoline made it obvious that she had been intentionally set ablaze. “The smell of gas was overwhelming,” Mallory McLemore from Bluff City Veterinary Specialists recounted to the Memphis Commercial Appeal.
“She was severely burned and reeked of diesel fuel,” Ginger Natoli, the founder of Tails of Hope Dog Rescue, explained to Newsweek. “Witness accounts confirmed she was intentionally set on fire, and we even obtained footage from a neighbor’s Ring camera showing her running, literally engulfed in flames.”
Though Riona lost one of her ears in the fire, her left eye was miraculously saved thanks to quick emergency care. She was brought under the care of Tails of Hope Dog Rescue and treated at Bluff City Veterinary Specialists. To aid her recovery, her body was wrapped twice daily to protect her burned skin. Riona’s heartbreaking story went viral after a TikTok video detailing her journey garnered millions of views, drawing sympathy and support from across the globe.
Riona’s recovery was slow but steady. She endured multiple skin grafts to heal the severe burns that covered much of her body. Despite everything, Riona maintained her sweet demeanor, lifting the spirits of those around her. “Her tail was always wagging,” McLemore noted. “That’s what made it even more tragic. She’s just so loving, even after what she went through. For someone to do that to such a gentle soul—it’s heartbreaking.”
“She’s actually kind of adorable with just one ear,” Natoli added to the Memphis Commercial Appeal. “It really adds to her personality.” Throughout Riona’s healing process, Tails of Hope continued to share updates with her growing community of supporters, who flooded her with donations and gifts to help her along her journey.
In the midst of her recovery, 43-year-old Quishon Brown was arrested for his involvement in the cruel act. He was charged with misdemeanor assault and two felonies, including aggravated cruelty to animals and arson. Riona’s story gained widespread attention and even contributed to the passing of a new animal cruelty law in Tennessee.
Months went by, and Riona’s condition gradually improved. Recently, in a heartwarming development nearly a year after her trauma, Riona’s story found a hopeful new chapter: she’s been adopted into a forever home. Tails of Hope shared that they would be embarking on a ten-hour trip to personally deliver Riona to her new family.
“Our mission was to find Riona a loving forever home, and we’ve done just that,” Natoli told the Commercial Appeal. “She’ll have other dogs to play with, children to love, and a big yard to run around in. Her new family is well-versed in medical care and understands the extent of her injuries.”
The man responsible is facing felony charges but must never be allowed to own or care for animals again.
The rescue organization shared their excitement on Facebook: “Riona’s journey is far from over—it’s just beginning. We’ve all witnessed this miracle unfold, and our brave ‘warrior’ girl is heading to the life she deserves.” Check out Riona’s TikTok video below!
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@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
