About a year ago, a horrifying scene unfolded in Nutbush, Tennessee. Residents watched in disbelief as a pit bull mix sprinted down the street—her body engulfed in flames. The heavy scent of gasoline in the air was unmistakable, confirming everyone’s worst fear: the fire had been no accident.
“She reeked of diesel,” recalled Mallory Mclemore from Bluff City Veterinary Specialists, speaking to Memphis Commercial Appeal. “There was no doubt it had been intentional.”
Riona, as she would come to be known, had suffered unimaginable injuries. One of her ears was completely burned away, though, miraculously, her left eye was saved thanks to the quick work of emergency veterinarians. Witness accounts and footage from a nearby security camera revealed the terrifying truth — Riona had been deliberately set on fire.
After being rescued by Tails of Hope Dog Rescue, Riona began the long and painful road to healing. Every day, she underwent full-body dressing changes to help her skin recover. She endured numerous surgeries and skin grafts to address the fourth-degree burns that covered much of her body.
Despite all she’d been through, Riona never lost her spirit. “She was always wagging her tail,” Mclemore said. “It made it even harder to grasp how someone could hurt a dog so sweet.”
Ginger Natoli, founder of Tails of Hope, echoed the sentiment. “Her little one-ear look actually suits her,” she smiled. “It’s part of her charm now.”
Riona’s journey captured the hearts of thousands. Supporters followed her recovery through social media updates, offering encouragement, donations, and gifts. And while the legal system worked its way through the charges filed against 43-year-old Quishon Brown — the man accused of setting her ablaze — Riona focused on healing, surrounded by care and compassion.
Brown now faces charges including aggravated cruelty to animals and arson. As his case awaits trial, Riona has finally reached the milestone everyone was hoping for: adoption.
Just shy of one year since the night that changed her life, Riona is heading to her forever home. Tails of Hope shared that they embarked on a ten-hour drive to deliver her to her new family — one that’s not only loving, but also medically experienced and well-prepared to care for her special needs.
“She’s got other dogs to play with, a big yard, kids to grow up with… it’s everything we hoped for,” Natoli shared.
The rescue marked the occasion with a heartfelt message on Facebook: “This isn’t the end of Riona’s story—it’s the beginning of her new life. We’ve all witnessed a miracle in our ‘warrior girl.’”
And just like that, as Riona stepped into her new home, the cycle of rescue continued. Almost immediately, Tails of Hope welcomed another burn survivor into their care. “There’s always another one who needs help,” they reminded followers.
What happened to Riona was nothing short of a tragedy. But through resilience, love, and the dedication of her rescuers, her story has transformed into one of hope. We couldn’t be happier that she finally gets the life she’s always deserved.