What is candys dog a symbol for?

Candy's dog in John Steinbeck's "Of Mice and Men" symbolizes the fate of those who are marginalized and discarded in society. The dog's old age and physical deterioration mirror Candy's own fears about becoming useless and being cast aside as he ages. Additionally, the dog's eventual euthanasia reflects the harsh realities of life during the Great Depression, highlighting themes of loneliness, companionship, and the struggle for dignity amidst despair.