There are a number of clear symbols in this dream. The doll that looks human, the dogs that were plastic, and the street sign with an old man made of clay, holding it up. You had discerned that they were not who they appeared to be, but the people around you could not see through their deception. The Laodicean church, the Systems we live under, The world philosophies, and alternative ways of living without God. This is a picture of the world. Returning back to where you came from, you would not allow yourself to be distracted by pomp or a celebratory procession and come across a group of real life schoolchildren with a teacher keeping them together and ensuring that no one runs ahead. John 17:15. My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. Sanctify them by your truth; your word is truth.
I think the picture of a teacher keeping those school children in check is a good illustration of how the Holy Spirit keeps us safe while we are part of this world.