But Riona is finally moving to her new house, nearly precisely a year after that terrible event.
Residents of Nutbush, Tennessee saw the horrifying sight last June when Riona, a pitbull mix, rushed down the street while completely engulfed in flames. It was obvious from the gas scent that she had been purposefully set ablaze.
@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
“All you could smell was gas,” Mallory Mclemore of Bluff City Veterinary Specialists told Memphis Commercial Appeal.
“Diesel fuel burned and smothered her… Witness accounts verified that she was set on fire, Ginger Natoli, the creator of Tails of Hope Dog Rescue, told Newsweek. “Our neighbor’s ring cam footage, which we have obtained, also shows her running in a ball of flames.”
Riona suffered burns to her ear, but fortunately, emergency medical attention preserved her left eye. She was adopted by Tails of Hope Dog Rescue, and Bluff City Veterinary Specialists provided her with medical care. To preserve her skin, she received full body wraps twice a day.
Riona’s tale was told in a TikTok video that went viral and received millions of views, inspiring compassion for Riona all around the world.
Riona’s journey to recovery was lengthy, requiring many skin grafts to address the fourth-degree burns that covered her whole body. Riona was claimed to have been frightened by the experience, yet she was also upbeat during her recuperation.
Mclemore said, “She’s just always wagging her tail.” I suppose that’s what makes it even worse. Just being so lovely, and for someone to do something like this to her—not that it would ever be OK. She simply adores everyone.
The Commercial Appeal was informed by Natoli that “she’s actually kind of cute with one ear.” It adds cuteness to her personality.
Supporters brought presents and contributions for Riona, and Tails of Hope kept posting updates on her progress.
Quishon Brown, 43, was detained in the meanwhile for allegedly lighting Riona on fire. He was accused by the police of misdemeanor assault, two crimes, severe animal cruelty, and
igniting personal belongings. Trial in the case is presently pending.
A Facebook post claims that Riona’s tale contributed to the passage of a new Tennessee law against animal abuse.
Riona’s health gradually got better over the course of several months. Riona’s tale has lately seen an encouraging development: nearly precisely a year after she was set on fire, she is finally moving to her new home!
Riona would be traveling for 10 hours to reach her new permanent home, according to a post made by Tails of Hope.
“We wanted to find her a forever home, and we succeeded in doing so,” Natoli stated to the Commercial Appeal. “Riona has a large yard to play in, children to play with, other dogs to play with, and a family that understands what her injuries were and has experience in the medical field.”
The rescue posted on Facebook, saying, “Riona’s story is not coming to an end, in fact it is really just beginning.” “Our ‘warrior’ girl, we have all shared in this miracle together.”
Tails of Hope added that just after Riona departed for her new home, they took in another rescue dog who had suffered burns, serving as a reminder of how important animal rescue work is never done. They stated, “There is always someone else in need.” We get to participate in yet another narrative right now.
What a terrible ordeal for this beautiful, kind dog to go through, but we’re overjoyed that Riona is moving on to her new home after a year!
Please spread the word about this encouraging update!