The novel Of Mice & Men by John Steinbeck explores the characters' regrets to define the idea that one’s choices may not include a “right answer”. The execution of Candy’s dog, Curley’s wife’s potential acting career, and the killing of Lennie all reinforce this idea. Candy’s dog is introduced as an old dog that smelled awful, and Carlson raises the idea of putting it down. Candy is hesitant at first not wanting to kill his only family left but relents after Carlson’s persistence deciding to let Carlson do the deed. Later while discussing with George he reveals that he regrets not the killing of his dog, but for not doing it himself. Candy recognizes that no matter what he does it will be painful for himself; however, he realizes that he