Cordell Animal Support Project (CASP) has become vital to the Cordell community, working tirelessly to care for stray, abandoned, and surrendered animals. What started as a modest initiative by the local Presbyterian Church has evolved into a full-fledged nonprofit driven by a group of passionate individuals determined to make a difference. Lisa Gregory, a board member of CASP, shared the journey and challenges the organization faces and how the community can help.
CASP’s story began with the Presbyterian Church’s “Presby for Pets” project, which focused on helping needy animals. “They did that for a year and then decided to have a meeting to get more people to join when we started,” Gregory explained. “We had about 15 people and decided to make it a full-on nonprofit.”
The mission of CASP has always been to assist animals at risk of being euthanized from the pound, but as Gregory noted, their goal is simple: “Now it’s just to do the best we can to help the animals in our town any way possible.”
One of the most significant challenges CASP faces is overpopulation, a problem exacerbated by the area’s lack of spay and neuter practices. Finding homes for animals can also be difficult, as many local families already have pets. “There’s an overpopulation, and everybody already has an abundance of animals at their house that want them,” Gregory said.
Despite these obstacles, CASP continues to work closely with city officials, the police department, and community members to make an impact. Adoption events locally and out of town and relationships with foster families are crucial to the organization’s work. “We try to keep a good working relationship with the city officials and the PD so that we can help where they need us to,” Gregory added.
CASP always needs more hands on deck. The community can support this cause in numerous ways, including fostering animals, volunteering, and donating. “We would love for more people to be involved in this town. We always need more fosters because there are always animals being dumped. We also do this 100% for free; we do not take any donations [for ourselves]; it all goes straight to the animals,” Gregory explained. Donations can be made through donation jars placed throughout the town or at High Plains Bank in Cordell.
When asked what the shelter needs most, Gregory noted, “Cat foo d and dog food are always a necessity. And foster, foster, foster—that’s what we really need.”
Fostering is a crucial aspect of CASP’s success. The organization provides everything needed for fosters. They only ask that foster families offer love, socialization, and training. “Without the people of this community that foster and help fund [CASP], it wouldn’t be possible at all. We’ve saved hundreds of lives from being euthanized in our small town. When we have fosters, it makes [the animals] more adoptable when they become part of the family versus being cooped up in a crate or a cage,” Gregory said.
CASP offers a trial run for those interested in adoption to ensure the pet is the right fit for the family. “We let people take them home for a test run just to make sure that they fit in with their family,” Gregory shared.
While smaller dogs and puppies are typically easier to adopt, larger breeds like Pitbulls and cats face more challenges finding forever homes. However, CASP remains hopeful that with community support, every animal will find the family it deserves .
The Heart and Soul Behind CASP
When asked about her motivation, Gregory answered, “It’s the animals. It’s always the animals.” This sentiment is shared by all CASP volunteers, who devote countless hours to ensuring the well-being of Cordell’s stray and abandoned animals. While the emotional toll can be heavy, Gregory emphasized that it’s all about the animals, even joking that sometimes a little self-care is necessary to cope with the challenges. Even with a reduction in members, Gregory and the remaining members and volunteers are committed to continuing their selfless work as long as possible. “We are just trying to stay afloat to pay for the bills of the animals we are currently coming across,” she said.
How to get involved and support CASP
If you’re interested in volunteering or joining CASP as a board member, contact Lisa Gregory, Hope Hambright, or Skye Shephard-Wood. The organization is open to anyone willing to dedicate their time, and specific skills are only necessary for a love for animals and a willingness to help. “Time is very valuable, and that is the most difficult to give,” stated Gregory.
CASP continues to hold adoption events and work with local businesses, including Tractor Supply and Ace Hardware, to raise funds and awareness. As Gregory previously said, “Without the people of this community that foster and help fund [CASP], it wouldn’t be possible at all.”
This Friday, October 5th, CASP will host an adoption event in Oklahoma City at Harley-Davidson World, 6904 W Reno Ave. Volunteers are needed to help with the event. Some of the animals featured in the provided photos will be available for adoption, offering a chance to meet them in person and find them loving homes.
If you want to make a difference in Cordell, consider fostering, adopting, or donating to CASP. As Gregory passionately stressed, “We do it for the animals. It’s not about us.”
For more information or to get involved, contact CASP via their Facebook page or reach out to Gregory, Hambright, or Shephard-Wood directly. Together, the Cordell community and CASP can continue to positively impact the lives of many animals, one foster or adoption at a time.