I'd Rather Be a Buffalo

A LIFE BUILT ON UNANSWERED QUESTIONS…

At ten years old, Doug Riggle’s world turned upside down when he learned he was adopted. The revelation ignited a lifelong search—for identity, for belonging, and for understanding that always seemed just out of reach. His relationship with his adoptive father was marked by turbulence, his heart by a quiet ache. Yet in the midst of the chaos, he stumbled upon an unexpected anchor: a faith that promised healing. For a time, the pieces fit. He found true friendships, built a career, and even adopted a son of his own—Richie—determined to rewrite the story of fatherhood.

THEN THE GROUND GAVE WAY. Richie’s suicide shattered Doug’s hard-won peace. The grief was a tidal wave, dragging him back into old questions: Where was God? Had any of his healing mattered? In the wreckage, Doug faced a choice: succumb to the darkness or let his brokenness become a bridge—for himself, for others, and for a God who meets us in the ruins.

THE REDEMPTION HE NEVER SAW COMING. This is Doug’s story of wrestling with grace. Of reuniting with birth parents and extended families, only to confront new layers of forgiveness. Of learning that adoption wasn’t his wound—it was his calling. And of discovering, in the aftershocks of loss, that the most powerful testimonies aren’t born in triumph, but in the raw, unfinished spaces where we whisper, “I don’t understand… but I’ll trust You anyway.”

For anyone who’s ever felt orphaned by life, doubted God’s plan, or loved someone struggling in the shadows, Doug’s journey is proof: even the deepest scars can become sacred ground.

Because sometimes, the most beautiful stories are the ones we’d never choose to live.

©2025 Kevin Gregg (P)2025 Kevin Gregg

A Journey That Will Move Your Soul

I wasn't sure what to expect when I picked the book up . This isn't typically the kind of book I gravitate toward, but it was recommended to me and I'm grateful I listened.

The book touches on profound themes: loss, life transitions, self-discovery, finding and accepting your purpose, and the importance of being honest with your feelings.

What moved me most was witnessing how author was able to navigate through those difficult places and find a different perspective, one rooted in faith and trust. That trust is truly the heartbeat of this book, and it's woven beautifully throughout.

What makes this memoir so powerful is how raw and unfiltered it feels. You're not just reading about someone's journey; you feel like you're walking through it alongside them. The writing is brilliant in its authenticity, and you experience the full range of emotions right there with the author.

There were so many standout moments that it's difficult to point to just one without spoiling the experience. Each chapter offers something meaningful. I was so captivated that I postponed all my plans for the day just to keep reading until I reached the end.

fascinating story of one man's journey through a Christ centered lens

This is a very open and revealing story about one man's journey to find family and move through many traumas. Personally, I was adopted, and hearing Doug's trials when he wanted to adopt was fascinating as I have not considered the process through his lens. While I would not have made the same decisions as the author, it's a good look at his journey toward faith and trust in the Lord.


If you're someone who responds well to personal testimonies and their journey toward Christ, this is a good book for you. In addition to the difficult times and challenging moments, 'I'd Rather Be a Buffalo' is peppered with humor throughout and it never falls into a dark rut, but remains focused on hope and light.

There simply are no words . . . But I’ll try!

I rarely read or pick up books (unless it’s a comic) but this one had something unique to it that piqued my interest. Overall it was a life lived story filled with various anecdotes regarding a variety of subjects. This book mainly focused on how the main subject, Doug Riggle, weathered the storm through pain and suffering, with his growing faith and relationship with Christ.

I really enjoyed Doug’s insights and personal perspective on some the main themed topics: Adoption, RedCross, Therapy, Ukrainian Service, and Loss. The overall main theme of adoption really played throughout the book, but it wasn’t just about abandonment. It was a journey to find family and creating your own family in the process, and through that process leaning towards a higher power. You really get to know Doug, via the well read Kevin Gregg (he gives some great performances throughout), and the loved ones in Doug’s life. There are some tremendous losses throughout this book and the way Doug handles it is awe inspiring. Life is a journey and one needs to face the oncoming storms of suffering and pain head on to get to that fertile ground on the other side.

BE A BUFFALO

Raw and honest, I’D RATHER BE A BUFFALO is a story that doesn’t pull any punches. Doug Riggle’s journey of faith inspires hope and encouragement for those who are overwhelmed by the weight of living. I’D RATHER BE A BUFFALO reminds us that when facing the storms of life “God‘s plans are perfect even when it seems all is lost.”