It’s truly shocking how heartless some people can be towards animals. A sweet pup named Riona suffered as much as anybody after being brutally set on fire by her owner last year. Now, nearly a year after that horrific incident, Riona is about to start a new chapter in her life by going to her new home.
Source: Tails of Hope Dog RescueMallory Mclemore of Bluff City Veterinary Specialists recalled, “All you could smell was gas.”
“She was burnt and covered in diesel fuel… It confirmed she was set on fire via witness statements,” Ginger Natoli, founder of Tails of Hope Dog Rescue, told Newsweek. “We have obtained ring cam footage from a neighbor that also shows her running in a ball of flames.”
Riona’s ear was burned off, but her left eye was saved through an emergency medical response. Tails of Hope Dog Rescue took her in and provided her with medical care at Bluff City Veterinary Specialists. She received daily full body wraps to protect her burned skin.
Source: Tails of Hope Dog Rescue
Source: Tails of Hope Dog RescueAccording to Natoli, “Our goal was to get her a forever home, and that’s exactly what we found.” Riona’s new family includes other dogs to play with, children, a spacious yard, and caregivers with medical experience who understand her injuries.
As Tails of Hope conveyed, Riona’s story is far from over—it’s a new beginning. Their Facebook post stated, “We have all been a part of this miracle, our ‘warrior’ girl.”
Reminding us that animal rescues are a continuous effort, Tails of Hope shared that right after Riona left for her new home, they welcomed another rescue dog who had suffered burns. “There is always another in need,” they emphasized, underscoring the ongoing nature of their work.
While Riona’s past was marked by a dreadful ordeal, her future is looking brighter as she embarks on this new chapter in her life.