Riona, a pitbull mix who suffered a brutal attack last June in Nutbush, Tennessee, has made a remarkable recovery and is now moving to a new forever home.
After being set on fire by her owner, witnesses reported seeing her run down the street, engulfed in flames, with the distinct odor of gas lingering in the air. Mallory Mclemore from Bluff City Veterinary Specialists vividly remembers the incident, stating, “All you could smell was gas.”
The cruel act was further substantiated by Ginger Natoli, founder of Tails of Hope Dog Rescue, who mentioned, “She was burnt and covered in diesel fuel. We have ring cam footage from a neighbor that shows her running in a ball of flames, and this, along with witness statements, confirmed she was intentionally set on fire.”
Despite the severe trauma, including the loss of an ear, Riona received prompt and extensive medical care, managing to save her left eye. Tails of Hope took charge of her recovery, administering body wraps and skin grafts to treat her fourth-degree burns. Remarkably, Riona kept a cheerful demeanor throughout her recovery process. “She’s just always wagging her tail,” Mclemore noted.
Riona’s plight captured hearts worldwide after going viral on TikTok, leading to an outpouring of sympathy and donations. Natoli described her unique charm, saying, “She’s actually kind of cute with one ear. It makes her personality stand out.”
The perpetrator, 43-year-old Quishon Brown, was apprehended and faces charges of aggravated cruelty to animals and setting fire to personal property.
Now, almost a year later, Riona’s health has vastly improved, and she has found a new home through Tails of Hope. Natoli expressed her satisfaction with the outcome: “Our goal was to find her a forever home, and we succeeded. She now has a family with medical experience, other dogs to play with, children, and a big yard.”
As Riona begins this new chapter, Tails of Hope continues its mission, immediately taking in another burn victim. They emphasize, “There is always another in need,” underscoring their ongoing commitment to rescue and rehabilitate animals in distress.
