Ranch & Coast Magazine

Creating Peaceful Outings Chances are, we've all felt the anxiety brought on by taking a toddler out to a nice restaurant or boarding a plane and hoping for best behavior. When San Diegan Annie Alwine (photographed below with her daughter) found herself in these situations, she searched for picture books to help teach her daughter what to expect and how to act. Her searches came up empty, though, so when she was laid off from her career as a marketing executive due to the pandemic, without childcare, and one month before giving birth to her second child, Alwine decided to write — and illustrate — the books herself. The result is The Peaceful Outing Series, which includes fun pictures and simple rhymes that teach positive behaviors in some of the most stressful environments. Growing up the daughter of a pediatrician and an early intervention preschool teacher, best practices in early-childhood development was a staple dinner table conversation. Alwine says, "I want children and families to be able to identify with characters while gaining exposure to a variety of cultures different from their own, encouraging acceptance and appreciation of others." When asked if the book series had been simmering inside long before the pandemic, she says, "Yes, specifically, two-and-a-half years before COVID is when I got the idea. I just couldn't seem to make it happen before. Ironically, lockdown gave me the freedom to tap into my creative mind and bet on myself." childrensbehaviorbooks.com MIA PARK MEOW Andi is a 12-year-old Domestic Short Hair cat who has lived her whole life with the Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV+). She will need to go to a home that either has no other cats, or other kitties who are also FeLV+. Adoption fee: $0 MEOW Sonia is a 1-year-old Domestic Short Hair and Russian Blue blend cat with a gorgeous coat who loves to snuggle. Her great looks and her precious personality combine to make Sonia, the pawfect companion. Adoption fee: $145 MEOW Bean is a 4-year-old, 12-pound Domestic Short Hair cat. Bean is very friendly and he greets people with a soft purr and a gentle meow. He tilts his head down to remind you to pet him. Adoption fee: $100 WOOF Melvin is a 13-month-old, 40-pound Labrador Retriever blend with an incredibly fun energy. He loves to roll over on his back and wiggle around until you give him endless belly rubs. Adoption fee: $345 WOOF Danzig is a 1½-year-old, 57-pound Shepherd mix. He's happy and friendly with people, but not with other dogs. He will need to be the only dog in his new home. His new owner will need to continue his positive rein- forcement training. Adoption fee: $145 ADOPTABLE PETS Focus family HELEN WOODWARD ANIMAL CENTER Adoption fee includes spay/neuter, vaccinations, microchip, a free veterinary exam certificate and a dog license if residing in a city contracted by SDHS. For more information, visit sdhumane.org/adopt. Adoption fee includes microchip identification and registration fee. Pets have been spayed or neutered and have up-to-date vaccinations. 858.756.4117, ext. 1, animalcenter.org Adoption fee includes microchip identification. Pets have been spayed or neutered, examined for good health & temperament, and have up-to-date vaccinations. 760.753.6413, sdpets.org RANCHO COASTAL HUMANE SOCIETY SAN DIEGO HUMANE SOCIETY WOOF Ama is a 9-year-old Plott Hound who loves to play and go on walks. Ama craves adventure and is looking for an active family who enjoys outdoor activities. Adoption fee: $15 COURTESY PHOTOGRAPHY @ranchandcoast ranchandcoast.com 42 APRIL 2022 RANCH & COAST MAGAZINE

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