Surprise guests

Are you coming to my party? It's going to be so great!    
Just walk on in, or run, or catch a lift with someone's mate.    
Two friends are at the station - bravo, let's go and pick them up;    
we'll bring them to the party and then let them choose a cup.    
There's a flag out in the garden so you know where it will be;    
There'll be such fun that you won't want to stop, I guarantee!    
I'll put on games and serve great food for sure, but first a guess:    
who's here as guest of honour and is going to address    
the reason for this gathering, so joyous to attend?    
We did not skimp; a large amount of drink for this weekend!    
Let's play a kind of game now, from a plot I germinated:    
but quick, fill up your glasses - we don't want you dehydrated!    
While organising teams, I somehow dodged a custard pie;    
I think it was my cousin! Does she have an alibi?!    
So things are getting started, and your task is very clear:    
just gather up twelve animals that I've hidden in here.    
Remove all twelve first letters, put them round another way;    
you'll find some words of wisdom, which I hope will make your day!  
   
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It has been brought to my attention that the following animals appear in the poem (unintentionally!): hen, ass, doe, ant, rat, cat. These are all words within words, which are not permitted. All 12 of the correct answers will span two or three words. Happy puzzling!