This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Community Corner

Two Paws Unite to Save Others

Canine couple will celebrate "mutt"rimony Sunday at DuPage County Fairgrounds.

Animal lovers will find a creative and fun way to donate to their favorite cause this Sunday by attending the wedding of Rue and Litro at the DuPage County Fairgrounds in Wheaton.

But this wedding will be far from traditional.

Rather than nibbling on fancy hors d’oeurves and sipping champagne from crystal goblets, the newlyweds will likely be chomping on Milkbones and slurping water from a bowl.

Find out what's happening in Burr Ridgewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Rue, 2-1/2, and her groom-to-be Litro, 4-1/2, are rescued Siberian Huskies who live with Kevin Glowicki, owner of Simply Sound Wedding DJs and More, a company that designs and plans weddings and events throughout the Chicago area.

A couple of months ago, Glowicki began brainstorming ways to raise money to help animal rescue organizations. Pairing his love of dogs with his expertise as a wedding planner, he was struck with an attention-grabbing way to accomplish the goal: “Rue and Litro, A Dog Wedding & Dog Rescue Fundraiser.”

Find out what's happening in Burr Ridgewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The event, which will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, July 15, at the DuPage County Fairgrounds at 2015 Manchester Road, Wheaton, will feature representatives of animal rescue organizations as well as adoptable dogs; service dogs, Frisbee-catching and dancing dogs, K9 demonstrations, cutest and ugliest dog contests, dog games and a fenced dog-play area.

The dog-friendly fundraiser, from which $5 of each $8 admission fee will be divided among participating animal rescue groups, will also include plenty of activities for humans, including wedding and food vendors, raffles and prizes, a live DJ, events for kids, guest speakers, representatives from local canine-related businesses, a photo booth and even an artist to draw portraits of men’s and women’s best friends.

Glowicki said that among the raffle prizes available, organizers have put together a wedding package for a lucky couple who attends the fundraiser. The prize includes a free standard wedding DJ package from Simply Sound, a free movie trailer poster from Chicago Cinematic Weddings, free engagement shoot from Jolie Images and a discount from Rent-A-Rev Jim Rehnberg, who will officiate the canine ceremony on Sunday.

But food and Frisbee-catching, photos and prizes aside, the main event of the day will be, paws down, the wedding of Rue and Litro, scheduled for noon on Sunday.

Glowicki said about two months ago while watching a late-night movie at home, he was spurred to action by his furry friends.

“I happened to look over at my two Huskies … Rue had her paw on top of Litro’s, and she was licking his face,” Glowicki said. “When she was done she put her head on top of both paws and Litro moved his nose over so it would touch hers. You have to know my dogs to know that they are in love, I think. From that moment, I said, ‘I am getting you both married.’ ”

Inspired by his pets, Glowicki and fellow organizers came up with the slogan, “Two Paws United to Save Others” for Sunday’s wedding/fundraising event to benefit animal rescue organizations.

Glowicki has a special place in his heart for dogs in need of rescue, as both Rue and Litro were saved from precarious circumstances.

“Litro was rescued from Orphans of the Storm,” Glowicki said. “He was severely abused and neglected from his previous owner and now is the biggest baby ever. He loves kids … (and) has to meet every kid he sees.”

The dog lover said Rue, who was born in a puppy mill and originally sold at a pet store, was rescued from a family who simply had no time for her. Glowicki found Rue on Craigslist in the fish tank section with a “free to good home” caption, which caused him concern and prompted him to immediately call the number listed in the ad.

“When I met Rue she was extremely intelligent and you could tell she needed attention and had an eagerness to learn and be led,” Glowicki said. “They are both amazing dogs … I made a great choice with both of them.”

In a nutshell:

  • What: Rue and Litro: a Dog Wedding & Rescue Fundraiser
  • When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, July 15; Rue and Litro’s wedding will take place at noon.
  • Where: DuPage County Fairgrounds, 2015 Manchester Road, Wheaton
  • Who’s invited: Singles, couples, families and well-behaved dogs
  • What it costs: $8 per person; $5 of each admission price will benefit participating rescue groups. Parking is free.
  • Where to get more information: www.simplysounddj.com or click on the "Save the Date" image above.
We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?

More from Burr Ridge