[If it's some weird dog-thing, it definitely looks like a weird dog thing that's large enough to ride; it sniffs the air and turns its head in several different directions- although it seems to always look in the direction of its horn- before looking at Silver for a brief moment.

Silver gives him a small nod, and he looks at Watanuki for a while longer before settling down by his feet. Well, that's that.]

This is an Absol. They have a pretty long lifespan and can sense disasters. I thought you might appreciate having a Pokémon like that around.