According to the article “The Value of Animals in Children’s Lives” by Rachel L. Severson, they argue that companionship is needed for human society because it helps with social connection, health support, and entertainment. In this article, it will talk about why people treating their dogs as their companion in their household can play a huge role in determining how a person behaves.

Humans need companionship because it helps with how we interact with one another. According to Rachel L. Severson, the author of this article but also a scientist, writes “Companion animals, particularly dogs, also function as social facilitators, increasing social interactions among people in public settings and in long-term care facilities.” She states that is easier for people to talk too people while they have their dog because they act like a therapeutic use to attract conversation making it easier to talk to people. This is how a companion like a dog can help socially.

In the book, Of Mice and Men, situations are quite similar when George is attracted to making conversation with Lennie whenever he finds mice.

Another thing that companionship can do is to not only help us physically and emotionally, but physically as well. Severson writes, “The mere pres- ence of companion animals reduces people's blood pressure and heart rate. These benefits are increased with physical contact, such as petting, with even greater physiological benefits in people.” She explains that petting or making physical contact with there dog can reduce blood pressure and have other benefits as well. This is how a dog as a companion can help someone in supporting someone of their health.

In the novel, this can relate because Lennie depends on George to do a lot of stuff for him since he has autism. George does a lot for him in taking care of him while Lennie has this mental issue.

Lastly, humans need companionship because it feeds our entertainment and how people enjoy their lives with them. In the article she writes, “Our interactions with animals can be useful models for understanding how issues of identity, nurturing, support and attachment play out in a relationship.” Severson writes on her personal experience with her pet dog and how she felt the happiest during the 14 years she had him. This explains how dogs as companions can fuel entertainment for humans.

Lennie experiences the same joy in the novel as he loves playing with pet mice that he finds.