How can I allow my toddler to meet a dog?

[Crane]

I can't tell if this is one of those things that has an obvious answer in the negative or the positive. My toddler is obsessed with dogs, but we cannot responsibly take on the financial obligation of owning one. Can you help me brainstorm a way to bring her somewhere she can meet a dog? I was thinking of a shelter, but my daughter is not yet two, and even though I will give her close guidance, I would not want to bring her to meet a dog who was very easily upset and possibly violent.

I am not sure what else to do. I feel like trying to make a friend who has a dog, but of course, that is ridiculous - walking around the park and library, asking people if they have a dog and only trying to make friends with them if they do. Our neighbors have two large, unfriendly dogs; one nipped at my husband just for coming near (not even trying to pet). Everyone else I know with a dog (some very friendly) lives far away.