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

It’s heartbreaking how some people can show such cruelty to animals. Last year, a sweet dog named Riona endured unimaginable suffering when her owner intentionally set her on fire. Now, a year later, Riona is finally finding peace as she heads to her forever home.

In June, the residents of Nutbush, Tennessee, witnessed a horrific scene: Riona, a pitbull mix, running down the street engulfed in flames. The overwhelming smell of gasoline in the air made it tragically clear that this was no accident—she had been intentionally set on fire.

“All you could smell was gas,” Mallory Mclemore from Bluff City Veterinary Specialists said in an interview with Memphis Commercial Appeal.

“She was burnt and covered in diesel fuel… It was clear she had been set on fire, as confirmed by witness statements,” added Ginger Natoli, founder of Tails of Hope Dog Rescue, during a conversation with Newsweek. Natoli also revealed that neighbors had captured the horrifying moment on a ring camera, showing Riona running down the street engulfed in flames.

Despite her injuries, including the loss of an ear, immediate medical care saved her left eye. Riona was taken in by Tails of Hope Dog Rescue, where she began her long road to recovery. Bluff City Veterinary Specialists provided extensive care, which included applying full-body wraps twice a day to protect her healing skin.

Now, after enduring so much pain and showing incredible resilience, Riona is moving forward with a new family who will give her the love and care she deserves.