In John Steinbeck's novel "Of Mice and Men," Candy is a character who is deeply affected by the loss of his dog. Candy's dog is a symbol of his own declining health and vitality, as well as the harsh realities of the world in which the characters live.
Candy is an elderly ranch hand who has lost his hand in an accident, making it difficult for him to work. Despite this, he is deeply attached to his old dog, who is described as "crippled" and "half-blind." Candy takes care of the dog, feeding him scraps and allowing him to sleep by the stove in the bunkhouse.
However, Candy's dog is eventually shot and killed by the ranch's boss, Slim, because it is old and no longer useful. Candy is devastated by the loss of his dog and is unable to accept that the dog's death was necessary. He pleads with Slim to let him bury the dog and even offers to pay for a new one, but Slim refuses.
The loss of Candy's dog serves as a metaphor for the harsh realities of the world in which the characters live. Candy, like his dog, is old and no longer able to work as he once did. He is also facing the prospect of being discarded and replaced by younger, healthier workers. The death of the dog, then, can be seen as a symbol of Candy's own mortality and the impermanence of life.
Additionally, Candy's dog represents the bond between humans and animals, and the ways in which we rely on and care for each other. Candy's attachment to his dog shows the deep love and affection that he has for the animal, and the dog's death serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing the relationships we have with those we love.
In conclusion, Candy's dog in "Of Mice and Men" is a powerful symbol of the harsh realities of the world and the bond between humans and animals. The loss of the dog serves as a reminder of Candy's own mortality and the importance of cherishing the relationships we have with those we love.