In John Steinbeck's "Of Mice and Men," Candy does not look at his dog before Carlson takes him because he is deeply saddened by the decision to let go of his long-time companion. The dog is old and has outlived its usefulness, and Candy knows that Carlson, along with the others, believes that it should be put down. This moment is poignant for Candy, who understands that the dog represents not just an animal but also his own fear of aging and being cast aside. By avoiding looking at the dog, Candy is shielding himself from the emotional weight of the moment, highlighting the themes of loneliness and the harsh realities of life on the ranch.
If you need a specific quote from the text to support this, it would typically come from a moment when Candy expresses his reluctance or sorrow about the situation, emphasizing his emotional struggle in letting go of his dog. Would you like a more detailed analysis or specific examples?