I've had good luck with the site: The Wooded Teddy Bear.
They have wonderful patterns that you can modify or use as is.
I use the puzzle ones with the name of the animal cut in. They are very well received as gifts to friends when I ask them what is their favorite animal, fish, bird and then make one for their birthday.
I cut mine out of three quarter red oak using a lot of #5 skip tooth baldes simply because I like the grain of the wood.
I probably told you more than you wanted.
Walt in CT