Riona Was Cruelly Set On Fire — After A Year Of Recovery, Better Sit Tight Before Seeing Her Now

Some people’s inhumane treatment of dogs is inexcusable. Last year, a kind dog named Riona endured unimaginable pain when her owner cruelly set fire to her.

The tragic event occurred about a year ago, but Riona will soon be moving into her new home.

In June of last year, Riona, a pitbull mix, dashed down the street in Nutbush, Tennessee while completely consumed in flames. The presence of gas indicated that her fire had been started on purpose.

@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

Bluff City Veterinary Specialists’ Mallory Mclemore said, “All you could smell was gas.” in an interview with the Memphis Commercial Appeal.

“She was burnt and covered in diesel fuel… It confirmed she was set on fire via witness statements,” Ginger Natoli, founder of the Tails of Hope Dog Rescue, told Newsweek. “We have obtained ring cam footage from a neighbor that also shows her running in a ball of flames.”

Riona lost an ear to the flames, but her left eye was preserved thanks to quick medical attention.

Following her rescue by Tails of Hope Dog Rescue, Bluff City Veterinary Specialists provided her with medical care.

Twice a day, her entire body was wrapped in protective material.

Riona received support from all corners of the globe when a TikTok video detailing her plight received millions of views.

After suffering extensive fourth-degree burns, Riona started the long process of healing by undergoing a series of skin grafts. Riona was stated to be in high spirits despite being shaken by the event.

“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 kept their followers updated on Riona’s progress, and many of them contributed to her care or sent her presents.

Meanwhile, Quishon Brown, 43, was taken into custody on charges of arson against the city of Riona.

He was arrested and charged with two felonies and one misdemeanor: aggravated cruelty to animals and arson. The trial date has not yet been set.

A Facebook post claims Riona’s story was instrumental in the passage of a statute in Tennessee to crack down on animal abuse.

Months passed, and Riona’s health gradually improved. And now, in a heartening development, almost a full year after she was set on fire, Riona is on her way to her new home!

Tails of Hope stated that they would be on a 10 hour drive to deliver Riona to her new family.

“Our goal was to get her a forever home, and that’s exactly what we found,” Natoli told the Commercial Appeal. “Riona has other dogs to play with, she has children to play with, she’s got a big yard to play in, she’s got a family that has experience in the medical field and an understanding of what her injuries were.”

“Riona’s story is not coming to an end, in fact it is really just beginning,” the rescue posted on Facebook. “We have all been a part of this miracle, our ‘warrior’ girl.”

Tails of Hope, who rescued Riona before she went to her new home, claimed they immediately took in another rescue dog who had been burned. “There is always another in need,” they wrote. “Now we get to be part of yet another story.”

What a terrible thing to have happened to this poor, sweet dog, but now, a year later, Riona is finally going to her forever home!

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