Rory: The 4am Pain

TJ and I bought Rory this HUGE crate to put her in when we go to bed and when we're not home which was highly recommended by the two vets we've seen. Needless to say Rory does not like her crate and she for some odd reason decides to tell us this at 4 am nearly every morning. She will whine and cry for up to thirty minuets and we are so sick of it (not to mention the poor neighbors below us!). Online resources say "ignore her! Don't give in!" But TJ especially is at the end of his rope. These early wake up calls are too much for him. Any ideas? Advice???? I'VE GOT TO GET SOME SLEEP SOMETIME!

See it's so big TJ can fit in it!!!