It’s simply shocking how nasty some people are to dogs. Riona, a gentle pooch, endured the same suffering as everyone else after her owner severely burned her last year.
Riona is finally moving to her new house, almost exactly a year after the horrible tragedy.
Last June, residents of Nutbush, Tennessee, witnessed a shocking sight: Riona, a pitbull mix, dashed down the street engulfed in flames. The smell of gas suggested that someone had intentionally set her ablaze.
Mallory Mclemore of Bluff City Veterinary Specialists told the Memphis Commercial Appeal, “The only thing you could smell was gas.”
Newsweek quoted Ginger Natoli, the founder of Tails of Hope Dog Rescue, as saying, “She burned and had diesel gasoline all over her.” Witnesses reported setting her on fire. We even obtained ring camera footage from a neighbor, which showed her running while on fire.”
Riona lost her ear in an accident, but fortunately, surgeons were able to salvage her left eye following emergency treatment. Tails of Hope Dog Rescue rescued her, and Bluff City Veterinary Specialists provided her with medical care. To help her recuperate, she received full body wraps twice a day to protect her skin.
A TikTok video depicting Riona’s tale went viral, getting millions of views and sympathy from across the world.
Riona embarked on a difficult healing process, undergoing many skin grafts to address the serious burns that covered her whole body. Although the experience was extremely difficult for her, many reported that she maintained a pleasant attitude throughout her rehabilitation.
“She’s just always wagging her tail,” McLemore explained. “That’s what makes things worse, I suppose. She simply loves everyone.
“She’s actually kind of cute with one ear,” Natoli told the Commercial Appeal. “It makes her personality cute.”
Tails of Hope continued to provide updates on Riona’s rehabilitation, and fans donated contributions and presents for the dog.
Police arrested Quishon Brown, 43, for allegedly setting Riona on fire. The police have charged him with a minor assault as well as two major offenses: animal cruelty and arson. Right now, the case is awaiting trial.
According to a Facebook post, Riona’s tale contributed to the passage of a new animal cruelty statute in Tennessee.
Riona’s condition improved gradually over time. About a year after her burns, Riona is getting ready to move into her new home!
Tails of Hope announced that they will be traveling 10 hours to deliver Riona to her new permanent home.
Natoli told the Commercial Appeal, “We wanted to find her a permanent home, and we achieved exactly that. Rona now has other dogs to play with, children to play with, a large yard to run in, and a family who is knowledgeable about medical treatment and understands her previous problems.”
What an awful thing for this poor adorable puppy to go through, but we’re overjoyed that Riona has found a new home after a year!