I know the article didn't say it was the same; it's just the fact that there's more dogs than children that I commented on. It's something, that is hard for me to understand, that so many people have dogs. Hey, at least I don't jump up on a table if a dog comes into a room I am in, as did my grandmother, but that might give you a hint as to how I was socialized regarding animals.
I grew up in a walkable community, with sidewalks and several villages where kids could walk to. I walked to school and rode my bike to stores. I now live in a town with 2 walkable centers, but I am just far enough away that it's a stretch for me to walk for errands, etc (3.8 miles). In fact, I do most of my errands in the next town, which is actually closer. Both of these areas are easily biked to, though. This is why, when we downsize, it will be in walking distance of one of these areas. I do like the small town atmosphere of the store people knowing me, after so many years of living in the horrible suburbs of the southwest and south.