A beloved canine residing in Memphis, Tennessee, whose endearing nature won over the hearts of many online following a traumatic incident last month, has made significant progress in her recovery journey, amidst an outpouring of love and support on platforms like TikTok and Facebook.
Thanks to the overwhelming support received, along with the dedicated efforts of her caregivers and groundbreaking medical interventions, Riona is anticipated to be ready for adoption within just a few months following the horrendous ordeal of being set ablaze.
On the fateful evening of June 20, residents of Memphis’s Nutbush community were horrified to witness a dog running down their street, engulfed in flames. Prompt action by compassionate bystanders who immediately doused the dog with water from hoses and pools couldn’t prevent extensive damage: Riona suffered fourth-degree burns covering over 60 percent of her small body.
Initially taken to Memphis Animal Services, the canine was later entrusted to the compassionate care of Tails of Hope Dog Rescue and their partners at Bluff City Veterinary Specialists. Here, Riona encountered Tails of Hope founder Ginger Natoli and Bluff City veterinary technician Mallory McLemore, who led the tireless efforts towards her extensive recovery.
The 1-year-old pit bull mix had been deliberately soaked in gasoline before being ignited.
“At first glance of her photo, I thought she had some minor injuries we could address,” Natoli shared with Daily Paws. “It wasn’t until we saw her in person that we realized the severity of her condition.”
Riona’s Worldwide Support
After ensuring Riona’s safety, her rescuers adopted a two-fold strategy. Natoli initiated her investigative efforts, engaging with neighbors and witnesses to ascertain the precise events and support the Memphis Police Department’s inquiry. Meanwhile, McLemore and Bluff City’s staff attended to Riona’s medical needs, including wound care, bandage changes while she was under anesthesia, and hand-feeding her.
In an effort to document Riona’s journey and raise awareness of her situation, McLemore created a TikTok account under the name Justice4Riona. Initially expecting modest outreach, the account’s first video garnered an astonishing 3 million views, surprising everyone involved. Presently, the account boasts 115,000 followers and the first video has accumulated 6.4 million views, with McLemore regularly updating it with multiple posts daily.
The response to these videos has been overwhelming for Natoli and McLemore, who have prioritized Riona’s care. Each post is inundated with comments and likes, accompanied by numerous letters of support, donations, and an array of gifts sent through Amazon, such as toys, blankets, and snacks. Additionally, the sale of “Justice 4 Riona” T-shirts, totaling over 2,000 units, has helped cover some of the costs associated with her care.
Every video depicting Riona’s progress, whether it’s a brief outdoor walk or showcasing her latest bandages, sparks a fresh wave of affection and encouragement on social media. For a modest shelter like Tails of Hope, every dollar donated, blanket purchased, or petition signed contributes significantly, both physically and emotionally.
Surgery—and Breast Implants—Help Her Heal
Nearly three weeks following Riona’s arrival into their lives, Natoli and McLemore have positive updates to share regarding both aspects of the dog’s ordeal. On July 12, Memphis police apprehended Quishon Brown, Riona’s owner, under suspicion of setting the pup on fire.
While Brown underwent a bond hearing, Riona underwent an extensive four-hour surgery, the first in a series aimed at repairing her skin damage. McLemore announced on TikTok that the surgery was successful. Rather than opting for skin grafts, the approach in Bluff City involves creating “flaps” from Riona’s existing skin to cover the wounds.
Explaining the method, McLemore elaborates, “Using skin flaps increases the likelihood of healthy skin as everything remains attached and maintains blood flow. She’ll have one on her neck, abdomen, and likely one on her leg as well.”
To ensure there’s adequate skin for coverage, the healthy skin needs stretching, leading to an unconventional solution.
“You might find it surprising, but I’ve been in contact with a local plastic surgeon,” McLemore reveals. “We’ll be using breast implants filled with saline placed under the skin, gradually expanding them to stretch the skin around.”
While Riona faces a lengthy recovery journey, her prognosis is promising. McLemore, who is also Riona’s foster parent, mentions the possibility of losing Riona’s entire left ear but assures her left eye remains healthy and functional. Despite needing multiple procedures to attach all the skin flaps, Riona maintains good mobility and spirits.
“The challenge with these procedures is the interval between them,” McLemore notes. “Each step requires a waiting period.”
Natoli anticipates a total recovery time of around four months, subject to variables such as infections or Riona’s response to treatments. Throughout, Riona’s resilient spirit remains unaffected by the traumatic experience.
“She’s friendly with everyone,” Natoli remarks. “She’s so joyful that we had to bandage her tail to prevent her from hurting it with all her wagging.”
Once surgeries are complete and her injuries heal, Riona will be put up for adoption. Natoli expects high demand given the widespread attention Riona’s story has garnered. Despite growing attached to their foster dogs, Natoli emphasizes the importance of finding them new homes to continue saving more animals.
