An animal capable of forming a bond with its owner through the Force was known as a Force familiar. In 19 BBY, on the Force-rich world of Vjun in the Outer Rim, where the connection with a familiar was regarded as an artistic practice, Viscountess Whirry Malreaux had a Force familiar: the Vjun fox named Miss Vix. She remained a constant companion to her mistress, frequently shadowing her within Château Malreaux, and died alongside the Countess after Dooku's occupation of the Château during the Clone Wars.
Sean Stewart's novel Yoda: Dark Rendezvous, published in 2004, was the first instance in which the idea of a Force familiar was presented.