"I think everybody needed a pick-me-up, a little positivity," Mary Guthrie, a mom of two, told "Good Morning America." "This has been the biggest birthday of her life."
Guthrie said neighbors flocked to the block to wish Elizabeth a "Happy Birthday" after she dropped invitations in mailboxes and placed a sign in the front yard.
Elizabeth doesn't have a dog of her own, but enjoys playing with the local pups and watching them from afar. The neighbors are aware of Elizabeth's love for their pets.
"We really saw the effects of that yesterday which was really, really sweet," Guthrie said. "We have a full glass door -- she'll knock until they turn around."
Elizabeth had fun seeing dogs arrive on paws, in costumes and some in cars.