Riona, a pit bull mix from Nutbush, Tennessee, was brutally set on fire by her owner last year. Witnesses saw her “running in a ball of flames,” and the smell of gas confirmed the attack. “She was burnt and covered in diesel fuel… It confirmed she was set on fire via witness statements,” said Ginger Natoli of Tails of Hope Dog Rescue.

Her injuries were severe—one ear was burnt off, and she needed daily wraps and multiple skin grafts. Despite the trauma, Riona showed remarkable spirit. “She’s just always wagging her tail,” vet Mallory Mclemore said. A TikTok video of her recovery went viral, drawing global support and donations.

The accused, 43-year-old Quishon Brown, was arrested and charged with aggravated cruelty to animals and arson. Riona’s case even helped inspire a new animal cruelty bill in Tennessee.

After nearly a year of recovery with Tails of Hope and Bluff City Veterinary Specialists, Riona’s condition steadily improved. “She’s actually kind of cute with one ear,” Natoli noted.

Now, Riona has finally found her forever home. “Our goal was to get her a forever home, and that’s exactly what we found,” Natoli said. Her new family has other dogs, children, and a big yard—giving this “warrior girl” the happy new beginning she deserves.