Riona was cruelly set on fire — after a year of recovery, she’s finally going to her new home

It is truly disheartening to realize the extent of cruelty some individuals can display towards pets. One such heart-wrenching story involves Riona, an innocent and gentle puppy who fell victim to an unimaginable act of cruelty. But today, amidst the darkness, there is a ray of hope as we celebrate Riona’s remarkable journey to her new home, exactly one year after the horrifying incident took place.

Riona, a pitbull mix, endured a harrowing experience that shook the quiet neighborhood of Nutbush, Tennessee, last June. Rushing through the streets, engulfed in flames caused by a deliberate act of arson, she became a living nightmare for the locals. The smell of gasoline filled the air, leaving no doubt that this innocent creature had been intentionally set on fire. Witness statements and even footage from a neighbor’s ring camera confirmed this heinous act.

“All you could smell was gas,” recalls Mallory Mclemore of Bluff City Veterinary Specialists, as she vividly remembers the day Riona arrived for treatment. “She was burnt and covered in diesel fuel… It was clear that she had been set on fire.” (Memphis Commercial Appeal)

This heart-wrenching incident caught the attention of people worldwide, as a TikTok video documenting Riona’s story went viral, garnering millions of views and spreading waves of sympathy for her. The outpouring of support was overwhelming, with people from all corners of the globe expressing their compassion for this innocent victim of cruelty.

Amidst the darkness, there were rays of hope shining through. Riona’s gradual road to recovery was shared regularly by Tails of Hope, a dog rescue organization, who also received donations and gifts from compassionate supporters who wanted to make a difference.

Months turned into a year, and slowly but surely, Riona’s condition improved. And now, after an arduous journey of healing, we are thrilled to announce that she is finally going to her new home!

Tails of Hope, in a heartfelt post on Facebook, revealed their plan to embark on a ten-hour road trip to bring Riona to her forever home. This new chapter in her life is not just an ending, but a new beginning for this resilient “warrior” girl. The collective efforts of everyone involved have truly created a miracle, where hope triumphs over cruelty.

“Riona’s story is not coming to an end, in fact, it is really just beginning,” shares Tails of Hope. “We have all been a part of this miracle, our ‘warrior’ girl.”

We cannot help but feel a mixture of sadness and joy as we reflect on the horrors Riona had to endure. However, in the face of adversity, her spirit remains unbroken. She continues to wag her tail, radiating love and forgiveness despite the cruelty inflicted upon her.

Let us come together to celebrate Riona’s resilience and share her inspiring journey, reminding the world that love and compassion can triumph over even the darkest of tragedies. Spread the word and let Riona’s story touch the hearts of many, proving that there is always hope for a brighter tomorrow. ❤️🐾