Where's a dog and a Lydia replacement?

[zzar]

Where could I find a dog besides Vile's? That dog was horrible to have around, always pushing and getting in the way.

Where can I get a really strong companion that is good with a bow? (I'm at lvl 25, and in a room with 3 mages and 3 conjours things can get dicey and need to focus on healing myself not healing hands my npc...Lydia aint cutting it)

[Lord Elvewyn]

Is one sold outside Markath?

[dubq]

Look for Meeko, the dog. His shack is near Dragonsbridge.. though I can't remember which direction at the moment.

[parvatiquinta]

I don't know about archer companions, but I think you could find one that suits your needs in Dawnstar. He has strong destruction spells, though I haven't seen him heal himself.

Spoiler quest "Waking Nightmare":

Spoiler:

As you get to Dawnstar the first time, in the inn IIRC, you will hear the villagers complaining about nightmares and asking a priest to help them. You can then talk to the priest and offer to help him. After you complete the quest, the priest says that he plans to remain there unless you need him to accompany you.

[zzar]

Well, dogs are pretty underpowered and pretty annoying - die easily and always underfoot.

I've found mages aren't good when in a friendly group, like with the imperials, cause they end up hitting a friendly and incurring their wrath.

I been rolling with the Dunmer girl from Whiterun/Drunken huntsman for a while, and now I'm running with the Khajiit from the caravan.

[OblivionDuruza]

You can buy Vigilance (a companion dog) from the Markath Stables, and pick up a really easy delivery quest to earn about enough money to pay for him (depending on your level).

[Jeff]

There is Meeko, a Dog that I found at Meeko's Camp. There is a dead NPC in the Shack on the bed, and you have to start a conversation with the Dog, (the dog does not talk), to tell him he can follow you.