A Year of Healing: Riona's Incredible Journey from Flames to a New Home

Some stories reveal the depths of human cruelty, while others show the strength of a spirit that refuses to be broken. Riona, a sweet pitbull mix from Nutbush, Tennessee, is a living example of both extremes. Brutally set on fire by her owner last year, Riona has spent the past 12 months in a remarkable recovery journey, and now, she is finally going to her forever home.

The horrifying incident occurred last June when residents in Nutbush witnessed an unimaginable sight: Riona running down the street engulfed in flames. The smell of gasoline lingered in the air, leaving no doubt that she had been deliberately set ablaze. “All you could smell was gas,” recalled Mallory Mclemore of Bluff City Veterinary Specialists. Witness statements confirmed that Riona had been doused with diesel fuel before being set on fire. Security footage from a nearby house captured her as she fled in a ball of flames.

Riona’s injuries were severe. Her ear was burned off, and her body was covered in fourth-degree burns, but thankfully, her left eye was saved. Riona was taken in by Tails of Hope Dog Rescue and rushed to Bluff City Veterinary Specialists for urgent care. Her treatments included full-body wraps twice a day to protect her damaged skin. Despite her horrific ordeal, Riona’s resilience and sweet demeanor never wavered, and her heartwarming story quickly gained global attention.

A TikTok video documenting Riona’s recovery went viral, amassing millions of views and attracting support from animal lovers worldwide. People were moved not just by her tragic story but also by her unbreakable spirit.

“She’s always wagging her tail,” Mclemore shared, highlighting Riona’s gentle nature despite her trauma. “It makes what happened to her even more heartbreaking. She’s just so sweet, and yet someone did this to her.” Ginger Natoli, founder of Tails of Hope, also noted that Riona’s distinctive look—one ear missing—only added to her charm. “She’s actually kind of cute with one ear. It makes her personality shine,” Natoli told reporters.

While Riona healed, the man responsible for her suffering, 43-year-old Quishon Brown, was arrested. He was charged with misdemeanor assault, along with two felonies: aggravated cruelty to animals and setting fire to personal property. The case is awaiting trial, and Riona’s supporters are hopeful that justice will be served.

As the months passed, Riona's health gradually improved, thanks to a series of skin grafts and ongoing medical care. And just as her physical scars began to heal, her future took a positive turn. Tails of Hope recently announced that Riona is finally going to her new home, almost exactly one year after the horrific incident that nearly claimed her life.

The rescue group shared their excitement on social media, revealing that they embarked on a ten-hour road trip to deliver Riona to her new family. “Our goal was always to find Riona a loving forever home, and we’ve done just that,” Natoli shared. Riona’s new family includes other dogs for her to play with, children to love, and a big yard where she can roam freely. Most importantly, her new owners are experienced in the medical field and fully understand the extent of her injuries.

“Riona’s story isn’t over. In fact, it’s only just beginning,” the rescue group wrote on Facebook, celebrating the pup’s resilience and the outpouring of support from around the world. “She’s a warrior, and we’ve all been part of this miracle.”

However, Tails of Hope reminds us that their work is never finished. As soon as Riona was safely on her way to her new home, they welcomed another dog who had also been a victim of burns into their care. “There is always another in need,” they wrote. Riona’s incredible journey may have reached a happy conclusion, but the mission to rescue and heal continues.