Riona was cruelly set on fire — and after a year of painful recovery, she’s finally on her way to her new forever home.
It’s almost impossible to comprehend the depths of cruelty that some people are capable of inflicting, especially on innocent animals. One such victim was Riona, a sweet and loving pitbull mix whose life was forever changed when she was brutally set on fire by her own owner last year. The sheer horror of the act stunned the local community in Nutbush, Tennessee, and sent shockwaves far beyond.
Last June, residents were left horrified as they saw Riona running down the street completely engulfed in flames. The acrid smell of gasoline filled the air, making it tragically clear that this was no accident — she had been deliberately set on fire.
“All you could smell was gas,” Mallory Mclemore, a veterinarian at Bluff City Veterinary Specialists, told the Memphis Commercial Appeal. “It was evident that she was burning, and the smell confirmed what witnesses were saying — this had been done intentionally.”
Ginger Natoli, founder of Tails of Hope Dog Rescue, explained further to Newsweek: “We have obtained footage from a neighbor’s ring camera that shows her running in a ball of flames. It was horrifying to watch, but it confirmed everything we feared.”
The attack left Riona with severe injuries, including a burned-off ear. Miraculously, however, her left eye survived, thanks to the swift intervention of emergency responders. She was immediately taken in by Tails of Hope Dog Rescue and received ongoing medical care at Bluff City Veterinary Specialists, including twice-daily full-body wraps to protect her fragile skin during the initial recovery period.
Riona’s story quickly went viral. A TikTok video documenting her ordeal captured the hearts of millions worldwide, drawing immense sympathy and support. People followed her progress closely, rooting for the courageous dog as she began the long and painful journey toward healing.
Her recovery involved multiple skin grafts to treat fourth-degree burns across much of her body. Though the physical and emotional trauma was immense, Riona never lost her spirit. Observers marveled at her resilience and gentle nature.
“She’s just always wagging her tail,” Mclemore said. “That makes it even harder to understand how someone could do something like this. She’s so loving, so sweet, and yet she suffered so terribly at the hands of a human.”
Natoli echoed that sentiment, noting, “She’s actually kind of cute with one ear. It gives her a quirky personality, and her spirit shines through despite everything she’s endured.”
Throughout Riona’s recovery, Tails of Hope Dog Rescue kept the public updated, sharing her progress and spreading awareness of the devastating effects of animal cruelty. Supporters sent in donations, supplies, and gifts to help her regain strength, ensuring she had everything she needed during her long rehabilitation.
Meanwhile, the man responsible for her suffering, 43-year-old Quishon Brown, was arrested. He faced charges including misdemeanor assault, two felonies for aggravated cruelty to animals, and setting fire to personal property. The case remains pending, a reminder that justice often moves slowly, even in the face of such shocking acts.
Riona’s story also had a broader impact. Inspired by her ordeal, lawmakers in Tennessee passed a new animal cruelty bill, a legislative effort aimed at preventing other pets from suffering the same fate. Riona’s suffering, while tragic, sparked real change.
As months passed, her wounds healed, and her condition gradually improved. And now, nearly a year later, there’s a heartwarming update: Riona is finally headed to her forever home.
According to Tails of Hope, they will be taking her on a ten-hour road trip to meet her new family. Natoli told the Commercial Appeal, “Our goal was always to get her a loving forever home, and that’s exactly what we’ve found. She’ll have other dogs to play with, children to interact with, a big yard to run in, and a family that understands her medical needs and can care for her properly.”
The rescue’s Facebook post captured the sentiment beautifully: “Riona’s story is not coming to an end — it is really just beginning. We have all been a part of this miracle, our ‘warrior’ girl.”
Even as Riona embarks on this new chapter, the work of rescues like Tails of Hope continues. The organization noted that right after Riona left for her new home, they welcomed another dog who had suffered severe burns, proving that there is always another animal in need of help. “Now we get to be part of yet another story,” they wrote.
Riona’s journey from unspeakable cruelty to the threshold of love and safety is both heartbreaking and inspiring. It’s a powerful reminder of the resilience of animals, the dedication of rescue organizations, and the profound difference that compassion and care can make.
What happened to Riona was unforgivably cruel, but a year later, she is finally free from fear, surrounded by love, and ready to enjoy the life she truly deserves.