From my experience with "scaredy cats," I doubt that a trip in a cargo hold without people around would be horribly traumatizing for Annie. Riding with the passengers--all those people!--would probably be harder for her. And if the adoption agency has been considering returning her to barn-cat status, this may be Annie's only chance.

If Jen was passing the hat at the office to get a birthday gift for our friend Jenny, I doubt anyone would be offended or question whether it was necessary. And helping out in this instance isn't going to make me less likely to help someone else out, to whatever extent I'm able to do so. Friends help friends in whatever way they can--sometimes money, sometimes prayers and positive energy.