Forest gnome and animal empathy

[Emaster]

Since Forest gnome receive animal language as a bonus, could they also receive either one of these:

1) At least 1 hard point in animal empathy
2) A way to spend skill points in the skill as it was a class skill.

Animal empathy can be used as a RP tool, and seems strange a race that is given this language they don't get this skill naturally.

As the wiki states:

"Animals and Pets
Forest gnomes do not keep cattle or pets of any kind. The animals of the forest are their friends, not creatures to be preyed upon or domesticated. They have been known to strike up friendships with all natural creatures of the forest, although they favor those closer to their own size, like foxes, squirrels, and the like."

Even given them 1 point should be enough, as would help befriending chickens, cat, dogs or other non combat animals.