It’s truly heartbreaking to witness the cruel treatment some dogs endure at the hands of humans. One such brave survivor is Riona, a sweet pitbull mix who had to endure the unimaginable – being set on fire by her owner. However, after a year of resilience and recovery, Riona is finally on her way to her new forever home.

The incident took place last June in Nutbush, Tennessee, as horrified residents watched Riona run down the street, engulfed in flames. The smell of gasoline lingered in the air, leaving no doubt that this was a deliberate act of cruelty. Witness accounts and ring camera footage confirmed the horrifying truth – Riona had been intentionally set on fire.

The poor pup suffered severe burns, losing an ear in the process. Thanks to the prompt emergency response, Riona’s left eye was saved. She was immediately taken in by the caring team at Tails of Hope Dog Rescue, who arranged for her medical treatments at Bluff City Veterinary Specialists. The road to recovery was long and arduous, involving multiple skin grafts to treat the extensive fourth-degree burns all over her body. Despite the trauma she had endured, Riona bravely maintained a positive spirit throughout her healing journey.

Riona’s story spread like wildfire, capturing the hearts of millions around the world. A viral TikTok video shed light on her plight, generating an outpouring of sympathy and support. Donations and gifts poured in from compassionate individuals moved by Riona’s resilience and determination.

Amidst this heartwarming response, justice slowly began to unfold. Quishon Brown, the 43-year-old responsible for setting Riona on fire, was arrested and charged with assault and felonies related to animal cruelty. Riona’s story had a broader impact as well, prompting the passage of a new animal cruelty bill in Tennessee.

Months passed, and with each passing day, Riona’s condition continued to improve. Then, in a joyous turn of events, nearly a year after her traumatic ordeal, Riona’s story took a remarkable twist – she had finally found her forever home!

Tails of Hope delightedly announced their plans to make a ten-hour road trip, transporting Riona to her new family. Excitement filled the air as they shared details of her loving forever home. Riona would have other furry companions to play with, children to shower her with love, and a spacious yard to explore. Her new family even had experience in the medical field, ensuring they understand the extent of Riona’s injuries and can provide the care she deserves.

While Riona’s story may seem like it’s coming to a close, it’s actually just the beginning. Her journey from tragedy to triumph is nothing short of a miracle. Tails of Hope, in a poignant Facebook post, acknowledged the collective effort behind this heartwarming rescue. No one could have predicted the positive impact that would result from one brave dog’s battle for survival.