Who is Buck's original owner?

Buck's original owner is Judge Miller. In the beginning of "The Call of the Wild," Buck lives a comfortable life on Judge Miller's estate in California, where he enjoys the privileges of being a beloved pet and part of a well-off household. This tranquil life contrasts sharply with the struggles he faces later in the story as he is sold into the harsh life of an Alaskan sled dog. The relationship between Buck and Judge Miller establishes Buck's initial connection to civilization and his status as a domesticated animal, which is poignantly highlighted when Buck is later thrust into the primal wildness of the Yukon. This transition marks a significant theme of the novel, exploring the inherent instincts that emerge when one is removed from the comforts of civilization.