Couldn't read the whole thing ... or wouldn't. Anyway, I did notice two things that made me chuckle.
First, empathy, write me a book about empathy for another human being before you write a sentence empathizing with creatures we eat to sustain life. Very little empathy in this world of IED's, suicide bombers, etc. I won't waste any on a squirrel. Wonder what this person's level of empathy is for the victims of 9/11. I probably know the answer.
Second, the mention of redemption and in the next breath stating that he/she is not religious. Sounds really contradictory and hypocritcal to my mind. I am religious, about everything, including the taking of an animals life. I give thanks for the sustenance - dare I say it - God gives through the beast provided for my family. Well, I can't empathize well with idiots when I'm tired. I've got to eat some cow and go to bed.