OK ... plenty of time to plan!
There's already been some great suggestions made ... we are fortunate that I can be with Toto 24/7 ... but on those occasions that we have to leave her for a little while, we use an X-pen. You can make plenty of room in it for a little bed, toys, wee wee pad in a holder and water ... we never, ever leave food nor edible chews if we aren't home! While she is a puppy, we had to feed her little meals about 3-4 times a day, so this might present a problem for you unless you have someone to maybe give her a little food during the day. We do leave things for her to chew on in case she wants to chew, just nothing that she can get a piece off and choke! We also never, ever leave a collar, harness or anything like that on her. And, we always, always leave Animal Planet on for her!
Actually, leaving the TV or music playing helps to kinda distract from outside noises [we live in the city] and she stays calm and usually just naps while we are gone! I'm sure there is a bzillion things that can be done, but I can't think of any more right now, hope this helps!
