Oak was the first born in the brand-new Pinebreeze pack established by his mother, Cypress, and his father, Alder, in Canada's Northwestern Territories. His childhood was full of life and love, but he and his siblings had to grow up through lean times as his young parents tried their best to secure resources by just their own means. During his second spring, after his parents' next litter was born, a wild and rebellious Oak left the family against their wishes, instead aiming to see the wilderness and all that it held. He still harbors some guilt regarding this but doesn't regret his roguish lifestyle and the experiences he's had.

Various encounters with his ursine neighbors and (illegal) hunters outside the wilds have made him wary of bears and dogs. His life has been rough, and he's got the scars to prove it, though his muscular, healthy composition attests to his skills at surviving.