A sweet dog named Riona has endured horrific abuse at the hands of her cruel former owner but is ready to put the past behind her as she meets her new loving family.

Almost a year ago to the date, she was doused in gas and set on fire and found running through the streets of Memphis. She was taken in by Tails of Hope Dog Rescue who brought her to Bluff City Veterinary Specialists and her long road to recovery began.

The sweet pup underwent several surgeries and countless months of rehabilitation. According to the rescue, “60% of her body received 4th degree burns. (She needed) months of 24-hour care, numerous bandage changes multiple times a day, lots of pain medication and antibiotics, surgeries to close up whatever wounds could be closed, skin expanders placed under her skin to help harvest new skin for skin grafts,” and much more.

She was fostered and nursed back to health by one of the technicians, Mallory Ward.

Through it all, Riona remained a happy girl who still loves humans.

Her heartbreaking story was shared on social media and people near and far reached out to help with her care and eventually offered to adopt her.

The rescue shared, “It was a very tough decision to choose a family for her. So many wonderful applications! We finally narrowed it down, and though it is about an 8-hour drive, we are so happy for her! We have been in contact with this family for some time and are so excited!”

@justice4rionaPart of Riona’s last day in Memphis! Some of the chdeks wont load but they are coming!!#justice4riona#tailsofhopedogrescue#pitbullsoftiktok♬ Stars

It was a happy day, but one filled with tears as Mallory and her medical team said goodbye to Riona. Mallory wrote, “The sweetest angel princess that I could ever ask for! Such a bittersweet day sending her off to her furever home, but I could not be more thankful for how her story turned out”.

The location of her new home was not disclosed as the case against her previous owner is still ongoing. The rescue will continue to fight for #justice4riona and for stricter laws against animal cruelty.

Riona’s journey to her forever home was shared on the rescue’s social media so her supporters could witness just how happy she is to finally have a loving family of her own.

She was spoiled upon her arrival at her new home with welcome signs and everyone, including her new canine sisters, couldn’t wait to meet her. Riona’s tail never stopped wagging and it was clear that she was finally home.

The rescue said they will remain in contact with the family and will share updates as they receive them. Happy tails, Riona!

As Riona begins her new life, the rescue has taken in another badly burned dog named Sir Gideon. Learn more about him and how you can help here.