While the dog relies on Candy for food, water, and shelter, Lennie relies on George for support and permission. In chapter three, Lennie gets involved in a physical quarrel, however, he does not fight back. He looked to George for support, and George gave him direct orders to defend himself, much the same way a master would issue commands to a dog. Although it is not directly stated in the text, the reader can easily assume the same goes for Candy and his dog. Dogs are obedient animals, Candy's most likely obeyed his commands immediately as well. Lennie and Candy's dog are also both emotionally attached to their owners. " 'I'm so used to him,' he said softly. 'I had him from a pup'" (45). This quote shows how the dog is Candy's only companion, and that they have been together for an extended amount of time. .
Moreover, Lennie is referred to as all sorts of animals in the novel, a dog being the point of focus at this moment. "Lennie dabbled his big paw in the water and wiggled his fingers" (3). Steinbeck's use of figurative language shows the reader the similarities between Lennie and Candy's dog. Metaphorically comparing Lennie to animals shows how the characters in the novel respond to him, as well as how accountable they hold Lennie for his actions. The punishment for most of Lennie's actions parallel the measures one might take to discipline a pet. When Lennie hides the mouse from George, another dog comparison is made. Steinbeck refers to Lennie as "a terrier who doesn't want to bring a ball to it's master" (9) Although Lennie is stubborn, he knows he must do as George says because if he does not, George will punish him.
Furthermore, Lennie's death and the dog's death mirror each other perfectly except for a small handful of details. Saying goodbye to a friend or a companion is never an easy task to come to terms with. George and Candy both suffered from the loss of their partners.
