She says Lennie is nuts, and laughs it off as a big joke.
George's dream is to own a ranch with Lennie where they could do everything themselves. He didn't want to answer to anyone but himself. He also wanted to do all the work so he could get his own pleasure from it- not his bosses.
Lennie fears that he will not be able to tend the rabbits if he hurts Curley, as George has promised. He is also scared of getting in trouble with George and not being able to achieve his dream of owning a farm with rabbits.
Curley's wife died, so now Lennie will be in trouble and then their dream of the farm will be no more. Candy therefor won't be able to work on the farm with George and Lennie.
Lennie wants to have rabbits on the farm because he enjoys petting soft things and finds comfort in the idea of taking care of them. He likes the idea of tending to the rabbits and having his own responsibility on the farm.
Lennie fears that George will no longer let him tend the rabbits. This punishment is especially terrifying to Lennie because it jeopardizes his dream of living on a farm with George and tending the rabbits.
Lennie wants to tend rabbits. Even at the end of the book when things are spiraling out of control, he is only concerned about getting to tend to the rabbits on the ranch.
The dreams and aspirations of the characters in the novel 'Of Mice and Men' by John Steinbeck are being independent and work for themselves. For other characters, like Crook is being treated equality, to all be treated equal and have the same rights.
Lennie is afraid for George to find out about the dead puppy because he thinks George will be angry and won't let him tend the rabbits on the farm as a punishment. Lennie's primary concern is losing out on the chance to fulfill his dream of caring for the rabbits.
George and Lennie dream of owning a piece of land together where they can live off the "fat of the land," tend rabbits, and live independently. They hope to escape their current lives as itinerant ranch workers and achieve this dream of a secure and peaceful life.
George tells Lennie that if he behaves and follows their plan, he will be able to tend the rabbits on their dream farm and take care of them. George knows that this idea brings joy and comfort to Lennie, who loves animals. The dream of tending the rabbits also serves as a motivation for Lennie to stay out of trouble and work towards their shared goal of having their own piece of land.
George is afraid to have Candy overhear his plans for the farm and his dream to join Lennie in owning rabbits. He worries that Candy will judge him or interfere with his aspirations.
Lennie envisioned a future where he and George would have their own farm with rabbits that he could tend and pet. This dream brought him comfort and happiness amidst the challenges of their current circumstances.