It’s quite amazing how vicious some humans can be to pets. After being severely burned by her owner the year before, Riona, a sweet dog, endured the same suffering as everyone else.
Riona’s move to her new house comes almost a year after the horrific catastrophe.
Last June, a pitbull mix named Riona rushed down the street while engulfed in flames, shocking the residents of Nutbush, Tennessee. She had been intentionally set on fire, judging by the gas smell.
Mallory Mclemore of Bluff City Veterinary Specialists told the Memphis Commercial Appeal, “The only thing you could smell was gas.”
According to Ginger Natoli, founder of Tails of Hope Dog Rescue, who was cited by Newsweek, “She burned and had diesel gasoline all over her.” Witnesses allegedly lit her on fire. We even got ring camera footage from a neighbor that showed her running while burning.
Riona lost her ear in an accident, but fortunately, surgeons were able to save her left eye after she received emergency care. Bluff City Veterinary Specialists provided her with care after Tails of Hope Dog Rescue saved her. As she recovered, she received full body wraps twice a day to protect her skin.
Riona’s tale was conveyed in a TikTok video that went viral, receiving millions of views and evoking sympathy from people all around the world.
Riona endured a difficult recuperation time during which she required multiple skin grafts to address the serious burns that covered her entire body. Many individuals claimed that she stayed happy during her recuperation, despite the fact that it was an extremely difficult time for her.
“She’s just wagging her tail all the time,” McLemore explained. I suppose that’s what makes things worse. She simply loves them all.
“She’s actually kind of cute with one ear,” Natoli told the Commercial Appeal. “That’s why her personality is adorable.”
They gave Riona toys and cash, and Tails of Hope kept them informed about the dog’s progress.
Police arrested 43-year-old Quishon Brown for allegedly setting Riona on fire. The police have charged him with a minor assault in addition to two serious accusations of arson and animal cruelty. A trial is still underway in this matter.
According to a Facebook post, Riona’s story aided Tennessee in passing a new anti-animal mistreatment law.
Riona’s condition gradually became better over time. About a year after her burns, Riona is getting ready to move into her new home!
Tails of Hope said that Riona’s next permanent home would be ten hours away.
Natoli told the Commercial Appeal, “We wanted to find her a permanent home, and we achieved exactly that.” Now, Rona has a large yard to run in, other dogs to play with, children to play with, and a family that understands her prior struggles and knows how to manage her medical conditions.
After a year, we’re overjoyed that Riona has found a new home, but what a horrible experience this adorable puppy had to go through!
