Valier--I think that you would have to do a bit more right now than kill an animal to gain trust in our group, but it may be a good start.
As far as my character goes, I don't think she could do to much unless the cougar were to actually attack and land on her knife or something. Her rock thrower is still by the horse packs. I don't mind if Valier kills it if the rest of the group doesn't mind. If not, I am sure I could come up with an interesting post for the cougar fight scene.