In a shocking display of cruelty, a sweet pup named Riona was brutally set on fire by her owner in Tennessee last year. The horrific incident left Riona with severe burns, but thankfully, she has made a remarkable recovery. After a year of tireless efforts from her rescuers and medical team, Riona is finally starting a new chapter in her life – in her forever home.
The fateful day of the incident, residents in Nutbush, Tennessee, witnessed Riona running down the street engulfed in flames. The smell of gas was overwhelming, and it was clear that she had been intentionally set on fire. Riona’s ear was burnt off, and she suffered fourth-degree burns all over her body. Despite the severity of her injuries, Riona’s left eye was saved thanks to prompt medical attention.
Riona was taken in by Tails of Hope Dog Rescue and received medical treatment at Bluff City Veterinary Specialists. Her road to recovery was long and arduous, involving twice-daily full-body wraps to protect her skin and a series of skin grafts. Throughout her recovery, Riona’s spirit remained unbroken, and she continued to wag her tail, capturing the hearts of everyone around her.
A TikTok video of Riona’s story went viral, garnering sympathy and support from around the world. As Riona’s story spread, donations and gifts poured in, helping to support her recovery. Meanwhile, Quishon Brown, the 43-year-old accused of setting Riona on fire, was arrested and charged with misdemeanor assault, aggravated cruelty to animals, and setting fire to personal property.
Riona’s story also played a significant role in the passage of a new animal cruelty bill in Tennessee. As she continued to heal, Riona’s rescuers worked tirelessly to find her the perfect forever home. And finally, after a year of recovery, Riona’s dream has come true – she’s going home.
Tails of Hope Dog Rescue shared the exciting news on Facebook, announcing that Riona would be embarking on a ten-hour road trip to her new forever home. According to Ginger Natoli, founder of Tails of Hope, Riona’s new home is perfect – she’ll have other dogs to play with, children to love her, and a big yard to run around in. Riona’s story is a testament to the power of resilience, love, and compassion. As she begins her new life, Riona’s rescuers are already looking to the next chapter, having taken in another rescue dog who was a burn victim.
