Man's -- and everyone else's -- best friend

One look into Elizabeth's soft, golden eyes and a gentle shake of her left front paw makes it evident to anyone making her acquaintance -- this dog is happy to meet you.

The eager-to-please attitude of the 9-year-old collie earned her a "Canine Good Citizen" award Friday from the American Kennel Club and the Southeast Missouri Kennel Club in the A.C. Brase Arena Building.

Elizabeth passed the AKC's 10 tests with the grace and courtesy of a country club dame. She sat on command, greeted strangers, and never gave her handler or the test operators a lick of trouble -- well, maybe a few licks.

The accomplishment is especially noteworthy, considering Elizabeth was found wandering in a national forest in Southern Illinois a few months ago. To her rescuers' dismay, no one claimed the dog. She ended up at a shelter in Anna, Ill.

But things took a happier turn when Roberta Beach of Cape Girardeau found a picture of Elizabeth on a Web site and made arrangements in April to adopt the dog.

After two months, the two are devoted to one another. A soft-spoken Beach walked Elizabeth through the tests and praised her lovingly with each level she passed.

The only other dog seeking the same patch was a 10-month-old Miniature Dachshund, Hannah. Unfortunately, Hannah pooped out of the competition halfway through the tests. Literally.

Of course, being the good citizen she is, Elizabeth didn't gloat a bit.

mwells@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 160