In what way is Candy similar to his dog? How does this further explain his reluctance to do what Carlson suggests? (Of Mice and Men Chapter 3)

Candy and his dog share several similarities. Candy and his dog are both old, handicapped, and essentially useless on the ranch. Candy lost his right hand in an accident, and his dog is nearly blind. Candy's only job on the ranch is to "swamp" out the bunkhouse, because he is considered too old to engage in hard labor. Similarly, Candy's dog serves no purpose on the farm and wanders aimlessly around the ranch. Candy and his dog represent what happens to everyone in the economically depressed country once they become too old to work and provide for themselves. Once individuals are no longer useful, they are disposed of and let go.

When Carlson petitions Candy to shoot his dog, Candy refuses. Candy sympathizes with his old dog because he is in a similar situation. Candy understands that he is also past his prime and can be disposed of at any time. His reluctance to end his dog's life parallels his fate. Candy does not want to be let go, in the same way that he does not want to shoot his dog.