Jill Faso Antonini: A Dog’s & Cat’s Best Friend

Photos by Arnold Chin

She lights up the room with contagious joy. Jill Faso Antonini is a driven woman so passionate and dedicated to her career that when you’re asked to assist, you just can’t tell her no! You can’t say no to volunteering for her newest, creative fundraising event, such as Dancing for the Dogs & Cats. You can’t say no to jumping in on a committee to raise money for the animals. And you can’t say no to donating that gorgeous piece of jewelry for the live auction. You just can’t. Yet it’s not because of her charisma and charm (she exudes both), it’s because of her passion for the animals. The events she plans are sold out before the invitations hit the mailboxes. Jill Faso Antonini is the most interesting woman in the room.

That is the fun and glamorous side of Jill.

Then there is the woman who rolls up her sleeves. On any given day, Jill is in jeans and boots walking through homeless camps to care for the dogs and cats who are companions to the people who live there. She is arranging for spay and neuter clinics; she advocates on behalf of the animals to City Councils and the Board of Supervisors. She is connecting people to animals who need to be fostered and arranging pilots to send animals to rescue organizations out of the area. And when she can’t find a home for a foster, she’ll take it home herself. She also, unfortunately, sees the really ugly side of the abuse and cruelty that animals suffer at the hands of bad people. She has seen and done it all and continues with a compassionate heart. Jill is tireless and driven.

According to their website, the Animal Protection League is focused on creating a long-term solution by advancing animal welfare through education, providing resources for animal well-being and low-cost/free spay and neuter for the dogs and cats of our communities in San Joaquin County. Jill is all in when it comes to living out this mission.

Recently, a new, low cost/free Spay and Neuter Clinic and Wellness Center was opened on Fremont Street in Stockton. This is the result of funds raised through awareness, events and generous donors. Slowly but surely, change is happening, yet the need continues to be great. The beneficiaries are not just the animals, but our community. Jill is truly the dogs’ and cats’ best friend. She is their advocate and their voice.

To donate and find more information on Animal Protection League, visit apl209.org.