It’s hard to imagine how cruel some people can be to dogs, but Riona’s story is one of both unimaginable cruelty and remarkable resilience. After being set on fire by her owner, Riona endured one of the most horrifying ordeals a dog could face. But now, one year after that terrible incident, she is finally on her way to a new forever home, thanks to the love and dedication of her rescuers.
Last June, in the quiet neighborhood of Nutbush, Tennessee, witnesses were shocked to see Riona, a pit bull mix, running down the street engulfed in flames. The smell of gasoline filled the air, making it clear that this was no accident—Riona had been intentionally set on fire.
Neighbors watched in horror as she bolted down the road, her body ablaze. Mallory McLemore of Bluff City Veterinary Specialists recalled the traumatic scene, telling Memphis Commercial Appeal, “All you could smell was gas.” Riona had been doused in diesel fuel and set alight.
The founder of Tails of Hope Dog Rescue, Ginger Natoli, confirmed that witnesses and security camera footage proved Riona had been cruelly set on fire. “She was burnt and covered in diesel fuel,” Natoli told Newsweek. “It was confirmed she was set on fire via witness statements, and ring camera footage showed her running while engulfed in flames.”
Though she sustained severe injuries, including the loss of one of her ears, emergency responders were able to save her left eye. Riona was immediately taken in by Tails of Hope Dog Rescue, where she received urgent care at Bluff City Veterinary Specialists. Over the following months, she would endure a long and painful recovery, including multiple skin grafts and twice-daily body wraps to protect her fragile skin from infection.
Despite everything she had been through, Riona’s spirit never wavered. Even as she fought through the pain, she was constantly wagging her tail, her gentle nature shining through. “She’s just always wagging her tail,” McLemore said. “That’s what makes it even worse. Not that it would ever be OK, but for someone to do something like this to such a sweet dog… she just loves everybody.”
Her story quickly gained attention, and a TikTok video about her recovery went viral, reaching millions of viewers and garnering sympathy from people all around the world. Supporters sent in donations, gifts, and kind messages, all touched by Riona’s incredible resilience.
As Riona healed, legal action was taken against her abuser. Forty-three-year-old Quishon Brown was arrested and charged with multiple crimes, including aggravated cruelty to animals and setting fire to personal property. His case is still awaiting trial, but Riona’s story didn’t end there.
In fact, her journey took a beautiful turn. One year after the horrific attack, Riona is now heading to a forever home. Tails of Hope shared the exciting news, revealing that Riona’s recovery had come full circle and she was now ready to begin a new chapter of her life with a loving family.
The rescue posted that they would be taking Riona on a ten-hour road trip to her new home, where she would finally get the fresh start she so deserved. “Our goal was to get her a forever home, and that’s exactly what we found,” Natoli said. “Riona will have other dogs to play with, children to love, a big yard, and a family with experience in medical care, understanding what her injuries were.”
In a Facebook post, the rescue celebrated Riona’s new beginning, saying:
“Riona’s story is not coming to an end—in fact, it’s really just beginning. We have all been a part of this miracle, our ‘warrior’ girl.”
But the work of rescuing animals never ends. As soon as Riona left for her new home, Tails of Hope took in another burn victim, showing just how many animals still need help. “There is always another in need,” they wrote. “Now we get to be part of yet another story.”
Riona’s journey from a tragic victim of cruelty to a beloved family pet is nothing short of a miracle. Her story is a reminder of the incredible strength and resilience that animals possess and the impact that compassionate rescuers can make. We are so happy to see Riona finally get the love and safety she deserves!
Click the video below to watch the full story:
@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