When I lived in an apt. that would not let me have a dog there was this BIG yellow lab running around the neighboorhood, His name was BO. Well, BO used to knock on my apt. door (He'd push on the door) and we'd go for walks and through the ball for hours then I'd take him back down the street to go home at night. If I wasn't home he'd STEAL my doormat!!! His owners weren't very good to him either but they appreciated me playing with their dog.

I am shy like you and it took some courage to go ask but I did. I tried not to be really judgemental about why they didn't treat their dog as well as I woulda if he was mine... I was really missing not being able to have my own dog so I adopted the neighbors..... Might be worth a try.

Good Luck!
Katie