how are animals improtant to the story of 'Of Mice and Men'?

Animals are significant in the story both through symbolism and reflecting characters' personalities. Candy's old dog represents migrant farm workers when they get older in that they become tired and are gotten rid of. The puppy and mice Lennie gets and accidentally kills show the strength he cannot control and his compassion for soft things. The rabbits that Lennie hopes to have and care for give George control over Lennie by threatening him with not allowing him to tend the rabbits if he does not behave. George and Lennie dream of having many types of animals when they get their own land.