Houston, Texas — When Claudia Papp agreed to foster a dog named Chapo, she had no idea just how broken he was. But with love, patience, and an unexpected friendship, Chapo slowly found his way back to life.
For four long years, Chapo had been chained in a backyard with little food, water, or shelter. By the time he arrived at Claudia’s home, he was anxious and overwhelmed, plagued by panic attacks so severe that he would collapse on the floor, trembling uncontrollably.
“No matter how much space I gave him, he would just stare at the door, like he wanted out,” Claudia recalled in a video for The Dodo.
But everything changed when Chapo discovered Claudia’s bed — and her cat, Freeway. In one heartwarming clip, Freeway gently bats at Chapo’s wagging tail, and the frightened dog finally begins to relax. From that moment, a new kind of healing started: a friendship built on trust and comfort.
Little by little, Chapo’s spirit returned. He began playing, spending time with Claudia’s niece, and even stepping outside without fear. The once-forgotten dog blossomed into a joyful, affectionate pup — so much so that he’s now an Instagram star, winning hearts far beyond Houston.
Soon, Chapo will be ready for his forever home. For Claudia, saying goodbye won’t be easy, but she knows he’ll never forget the woman — and the cat — who helped him learn how to live again.