It’s heartbreaking to imagine the cruelty some animals endure, and Riona, a sweet and resilient pup, knows that pain all too well. Last year, she survived a horrific act of abuse—set on fire by her own owner.
But after a year of incredible strength and healing, Riona’s story is finally taking a beautiful turn. She’s leaving the past behind and stepping into a future filled with love—because she’s about to start her new life in a forever home!
Last June, the quiet streets of Nutbush, Tennessee, became the scene of an unthinkable act of cruelty. Residents watched in horror as Riona, a pitbull mix, sprinted down the road, her body engulfed in flames. The overpowering scent of gasoline left no doubt—this was no accident. She had been deliberately set on fire, a victim of unimaginable brutality.
“All you could smell was gasoline,” recalled Mallory McLemore of Bluff City Veterinary Specialists in an interview with Memphis Commercial Appeal.
Ginger Natoli, founder of Tails of Hope Dog Rescue, confirmed the horrifying details to Newsweek: “She was burned and covered in diesel fuel… Witness statements made it clear she had been intentionally set on fire.”
The chilling truth was further validated by a neighbor’s Ring camera footage, capturing the heartbreaking sight of Riona running down the street, completely engulfed in flames.
Riona suffered severe burns, even losing one of her ears in the horrific attack. But thanks to swift emergency medical care, her left eye was miraculously saved. Rescued by Tails of Hope Dog Rescue, she was immediately placed under the care of Bluff City Veterinary Specialists, where she received intensive treatment. To aid her healing, Riona underwent full-body wraps twice a day, protecting her delicate skin as she bravely fought to recover.
Riona’s heartbreaking story quickly captured the world’s attention when a TikTok video of her journey went viral, amassing millions of views and an outpouring of love and support from people across the globe.
Despite the unimaginable trauma she endured, Riona embarked on a long and grueling road to recovery. She underwent multiple skin grafts to treat the severe fourth-degree burns that covered her body. Yet, through it all, this brave pup remained resilient—her spirit unshaken, her tail still wagging, as if she knew a brighter future awaited her.
“She’s just always wagging her tail,” McLemore shared. “That’s what makes it even more heartbreaking. Not that it would ever be okay, but for someone to do something so cruel to such a sweet, loving dog… She just adores everyone.”
Despite everything she’s been through, Riona’s charm remains undeniable. “She’s actually kind of cute with one ear,” Natoli told The Commercial Appeal. “It just adds to her personality.”
Tails of Hope kept Riona’s supporters updated on her journey, sharing her progress as she healed. People from all over the world sent donations and gifts, showing just how deeply her story had touched their hearts.
Meanwhile, justice for Riona was set in motion. Quishon Brown, 43, was arrested for allegedly setting her on fire. He was charged with misdemeanor assault, along with two felony counts—aggravated cruelty to animals and setting fire to personal property. His case is still awaiting trial.
Riona’s suffering wasn’t in vain. According to a Facebook post, her story sparked real change, playing a role in the passage of a new animal cruelty bill in Tennessee—giving hope that no animal will have to endure what she did.
Month by month, Riona’s strength and spirit never wavered, and her condition steadily improved. With each passing day, she defied the odds, proving that love and resilience can overcome even the darkest moments.
And now, almost exactly a year after that unthinkable act of cruelty, Riona’s story has taken a heartwarming turn—she’s finally getting the happy ending she deserves. She’s going home!
Tails of Hope announced that they would be making a special journey—a ten-hour road trip to personally deliver Riona to her new forever home.
“Our goal was to find her the perfect forever home, and that’s exactly what we did,” Natoli told The Commercial Appeal. “Riona will have other dogs to play with, children to love, and a big yard to run in. Her new family also has medical experience and a deep understanding of her injuries, ensuring she’ll get all the care she needs. It’s truly the happy ending she deserves.”
“Riona’s story is not coming to an end—in fact, it’s only just beginning,” Tails of Hope shared in a heartfelt Facebook post. “We have all been a part of this miracle, our ‘warrior’ girl.”
But as one chapter closes, another begins. In a powerful reminder that the work of animal rescues is never done, Tails of Hope revealed that shortly after Riona left for her new home, they took in yet another burn victim in need of urgent care. “There is always another in need,” they wrote. “Now we get to be part of yet another story.”
