The Del Mar Country Club hosts a book signing from 6-8pm on Wednesday, May 25, for Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of the Humane Society of the United States, whose book The Bond: Our Kinship with Animals, Our Call to Defend Them explores the close link between humans and animals. A longtime champion of animal welfare, Pacelle argues that humans have an instinctive connection with animals, and yet break this bond through widespread cruelty. Pacelle takes readers from a now closed animal slaughterhouse in California to Leavenworth Federal Penitentiary in Kansas where he spoke with Michael Vick, the football player convicted of dog fighting. Pacelle also points fingers at such groups as the National Rifle Association and the American Kennel Club, which he believes stand in the way of animal protection. Hosted by Madeleine Pickens and Chris Penrod, the reception and discussion with Pacelle is open to the public. RSVP by May 20 to Kristy Kielborn. (858/759-5500, ext. 274, kkielborn@delmarcountryclub.com)    ANDREA NAVERSEN