Consider the following:
Wild dogs are known to roam the wilds surrounding Roderic's Cove. A unique and prized breed, why not throw in an encounter involving the so-called "covehound". Known as Roderic Ridgeback (due to the ridge of tufted hair that runs down the spine), when fully grown, they are a dog with the advanced creature simple template. Popular throughout this part of Varisia, having this serve as an npc animal companion would be highly immersive. Hudsten's Kennel has been capturing, training, and selectively breeding the finest of their stock. I recommend this integration into your game should you desire something similar to the bond akin to the novel/movie White Fang.
Side note: Whispering Coin for Lullaby.
I plan on granting the following to the player whom decides to form a initial bond.
Lookout (Combat, Teamwork)
Your allies help you avoid being surprised.
Benefit: Whenever you are adjacent to an ally who also has this feat, you may act in the surprise round as long as your ally would normally be able to act in the surprise round. If you would normally be denied the ability to act in the surprise round, your initiative is equal to your initiative roll or the roll of your ally –1, whichever is lower. If both you and your ally would be able to act in the surprise round without the aid of this feat, you may take both a standard and a move action (or a full-round action) during the surprise round.
RODERIC RIDGEBACK CR 1
XP: 400
N Small animal
Init +3; Senses low-light vision, scent; Perception +12
DEFENSE
AC 17, touch 14, flat-footed 14 (+3 Dex, +3 natural, +1 size)
HP 8 (1d8+4)
Fort +6, Ref +5, Will +3
OFFENSE
Speed 40 ft.
Melee bite +4 (1d4+3)
Space 5 ft., Reach 5 ft.
STATISTICS
Str 17, Dex 17, Con 19, Int 6, Wis 16, Cha 10
Base Atk +0; CMB +2; CMD 15 (19 vs. trip)
Feats Skill Focus (Perception)
Skills Acrobatics +3, Perception +12, Survival +3
Racial Modifiers +4 Acrobatics when jumping, +4 Survival when tracking by scent
