What does Buck ultimately value over human companionship by the end of the story?

By the end of "The Call of the Wild," Buck evolves significantly from a domesticated pet to a wild animal aligned with his instinctual roots. His experiences in the harsh wilderness lead him to prioritize his freedom and connection to nature over the companionship of humans. Throughout the story, Buck faces various trials that strip away the constraints of domestic life, awakening his primal instincts and desire for autonomy.

As he reconnects with his ancestral lineage as a wolf and learns to survive in the wild, he realizes that this freedom provides him with a sense of purpose and fulfillment that human companionship cannot offer. Buck embraces the wilderness and forms a bond with the wild, symbolizing his ultimate transformation and the value he places on living a life true to his instincts. The bond he forms with the natural world stands in stark contrast to the superficial relationships he once had with humans, highlighting his journey toward self-discovery and independence.