Riona, a sweet pit bull mix, made headlines last year after being **intentionally set on fire** in Nutbush, Tennessee. Witnesses saw her “**running in a ball of flames**,” and the smell of diesel confirmed the cruelty. Her ear was burnt off, but her eye was saved thanks to fast emergency care.

Veterinarian Mallory Mclemore recalled, “**All you could smell was gas**,” while Ginger Natoli of Tails of Hope Dog Rescue added, “**She was burnt and covered in diesel fuel.**” Riona underwent months of treatment, including daily full-body wraps and multiple skin grafts for fourth-degree burns.

Despite her trauma, Riona stayed upbeat. “**She’s just always wagging her tail… she just loves everybody,**” said Mclemore. Support poured in from around the world after her story went viral on TikTok.

Her alleged abuser, Quishon Brown, was arrested and faces felony charges. Riona’s ordeal even helped inspire a new animal cruelty bill in Tennessee.

Now, a year later, Riona finally has a forever home. “**Our goal was to get her a forever home, and that’s exactly what we found,**” said Natoli. Her story, the rescue said, “**is really just beginning.**”