An abused pit bull rescued from death row rediscovered a zest for life after his foster mum introduced him to - six kittens.

Claudia Papp, 34, discovered Chapo, a pit bull mix, through a Facebook post by the Harris County Animal Shelter in Houston, Texas.

Chapo had been chained in a yard for four years and was suffering from numerous health issues.

When Claudia began to foster Chapo, he was always fearful and struggled to trust his new owner.

Chapo's recovery was difficult and slow but that all changed when Claudia began fostering kittens.

Claudia, an executive assistant from Houston, Texas, USA, said: "They brought out a side of him I hadn't seen before."

"He became more playful and curious and over two years I saw a huge change in him."

Chapo's health problems were severe when Claudia rescued him.

He had a skin infection, blackened skin, intestinal worms and a fractured set of teeth from chewing on the chain that bound him.

She said: "When I brought him home, he just stood at the back door, trembling."

"He was exhausted but he didn't want to fall asleep because he didn't feel safe yet."

Claudia already had two cats Freeway and Olive when she rescued Chapo but it's not until she began fostering kittens, that he really began to improve.

She said: "My cats are pretty lazy."

"Chapo needed that playful energy and he found it when I started fostering kittens four months into his recovery."

The addition of foster kittens proved transformative for Chapo.

As each kitten was adopted, Chapo grew more confident and secure in his new home.

Claudia said: "They showed him that it was okay to trust again."

"Chapo learned to play and be silly through their antics."

"They really helped him come out of his shell."

Claudia has saved the lives of more than 120 animals through fostering.

She said: "Chapo is the 48th dog I rescued."

"And there was just something about him."

"I had fostered so many dogs before, but there was something about him."

"I just had to go get him."

Although Chapo is still hesitant around men due to the abuse he endured, he now enjoys trips to the park, walks and even socializing with other dogs.

Despite his rough beginnings, Chapo's health has dramatically improved.

His hair grew back, his infections healed, and his confidence grew.

Claudia said: "He's perfect now."

"Maybe a little overweight but healthy and happy."

"People think I saved Chapo's life but it's more like we both saved each other."