New foster rescue dog and house birthday party?

[HoppingForward]

We are fostering a rescue dog, she has been with us for 2 weeks and is doing really well. Very loving towards me and the DC but she hates men.

She is a rescued street dog who lived in a PTS open pound for 2 years before the rescue took her on, never lived in a house before, doesn't take treats and has never played games before. We are working on all of this and she is doing brilliantly.

She has been very friendly towards visitors to the house and other dogs but will bark at any men that come to the door and is very scared.

It's DDs birthday on Friday (she will be 8) and I have 7 school friends coming over for an animal party that I booked ages ago. It's a man with a marmoset monkey, guinea pigs, tortoise etc, 90 minutes.

DDog hasn't ventured upstairs yet. Her safe crate is in the kitchen and her fav spot for when all the fuss and love gets too much is behind the sofa in the lounge.

I have no one that can take Ddog away from the house for the party so does it sound ok if I move her safe crate into the lounge and shut the door?

DD1 is 14 and said she will take Ddog for a walk via the patio doors and back garden gate but she can't walk her for 90 minutes and wants to see her little sis at her party.

Party will be in the kitchen up the hall and dining room for party food - another room Ddog hasn't ventured in to yet.

Other option is to put Ddog in the the garage. I know she is a street dog etc but that feels cruel or would it be best because she wouldn't hear the party noise, man etc?

Or do I just put towels down on my bedroom carpet (incase of accidents) and put her in my bedroom upstairs out of the way?

Totally party time is 2 hours with the man and animals arriving 30 minutes before to set up.

WWYD?

[WhoaCadburys]

I'd be tempted to put her in the garage with a nice bone. If you are worried, you could put her in with a bone for a couple of short sessions first.

[HoppingForward]

I put her in the garage when the men came to fit the boiler last week and she won't go back in there although I do still have this evening a 2 days to coax her I suppose.

I have marrow bones in the freezer so that's a good idea.

I'm leaning towards the lounge, she can hear us and see through the glass panels but can also hide in her safe place behind the sofa.

[WhoaCadburys]

Yes, I'd go for lounge then if she has a problem with the garage.

[TheFlyingFauxPas]

8 overexcited 8 year olds dying to see the new doggie? Monkeys, tortoises and guinea pigs oh my! I don't think you can have all this going on and new dd won't be affected. Could DD1 stay with dd and crate in your bedroom with huge sign on door No Entry. Or in her room.then it'll ensure dd is nit disturbed. Blow seeing her sister at her party. Ddog's needs are greater than that.

[WhoaCadburys]

^^ or get a dog sitter type person to come and sit with your dog. Thinking about it, Ddog won't have seen all those animals, will smell them and could easily ruin the party by barking or rushing around like a loon. Surely there must be a neighbour or friend who can take dog and crate for a couple of hours?

[NoSquirrels]

Won't the rescue help you out in this situation and find someone who can take her out for a walk and a play/sit her for the afternoon? They should be supporting you, and acting in the best interests of the dog, no?

Otherwise, DD1 walks dog for at least an hour, and when she comes back, she can help out with the party while you spend a little time with dog, and then swap again?

[Raia]

Yikes, I'd be worried about ddog barking and running around like a loon too, what with the noise and smells and a random man! I'd definitely enlist DD1 + another dog sitter to take ddog out for as long as possible and then supervise her if she's going to be in the house at all while the party is happening.

Such a cool idea for a birthday party btw, I hope your DD has a lovely time :)

[HoppingForward]

Just thought I'd let you know I sent an sos message to some friends on FB and one has said she will pick her up from mine and then pop her back when everyone has gone.

I'm so relieved. I really want DD to have a blast tomorrow but in the back of my mind all I was worrying about was DDog, much happier for everyone.

Thank you for all your help

[TheFlyingFauxPas]

Brill
have a lovely day

[Raia]

Perfect solution! Now you can relax and enjoy the day :)

[WhoaCadburys]

. Dogs eh! Why do we do it!