On top of the great accomplishments of the Operacion Compasion pet sterilization clinic held April 17-19 in San Juan Cosala, the sponsor organization truly lived up to its name in the heart-warming story  of Diana, an injured street dog that came out of the program in fine fettle and a new home to boot.

“Searching for Stiala Mata: Eradicating Smallpox in India,” the memoir written by semi-retired public health specialist and Ajijic resident Dr. Cornelia (Connie) Davis, is receiving a great deal of attention. 

Ray De Lange is headed to an intriguing and uncertain future. After nearly seven years ministering to English speakers in a church — English Fellowship of Guadalajara — that is supported by about 15 U.S. congregations, mostly Christian Reformed, De Lange and his wife Angie plan to focus on bringing the Christian message to Muslims in central Asia.

In this first monthly series of LOOKING BACK, the Reporter is publishing some headlines taken from its April editions 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 years ago.

1965

Retirement center boosts area

The village of San Martin de las Flores huddles behind a series of clambering hills. Although linked to Guadalajara by a twisting, rocky road, the geographical remoteness of the community gives it a distinct cultural identity.

No, this is not about a movie sequel but a near miraculous tale and heartwarming rival to “Lassie Come Home.”

Batman is my black cat, rescued as an adolescent on a rainy night, his meows fit to make Genghis Khan weep. He followed me to my Guadalajara home, people-loving and intelligent cat that he is, perhaps thinking my black chihuahua resembled his mother.