Max II, formally known as Maximus Mighty-Dog Mueller II, is the adorable elected leader of Idyllwild, California
It’s a ruff job — but some dog’s got to do it!
Max II, formally known as Maximus Mighty-Dog Mueller II, an adorable Golden Retriever, isn’t just an Instagram influencer, he’s the mayor of Idyllwild, California.
And he’s got important business.
“We Mayors of Idyllwild all just got to go to the Dairy Queen, and we each got a vanilla cone,” he, “wrote” in a recent post.
“I was sporting a new tie today. I think it looks pretty good. What do you think? I hope you think I look handsome or cute! Let me know,” he had in another post accompanied by a picture of the dog sporting a red tie. The consensus? Handsome.
The canine politician entered the race as Idyllwild is a non-incorporated town, and therefore has no human mayor.
Max II was elected after his predecessor, Max I paved the way, according to Max’s website, MayorMax.
“Max (Maximus Mighty-Dog Mueller) was voted into office during an election held on June 11, 12, and 13, 2012 in Idyllwild, and was inaugurated to a one-year term on July 1, 2012,” the site notes.
“Idyllwild Animal Rescue Friends (ARF), a non-profit 501(c)(3), sponsored Idyllwild’s first-ever mayoral election. Any local resident was permitted to nominate his or her dog or cat. Fourteen dogs and 2 cats were nominated and ran for office. Constituents cast their votes via $1 donations each, and all $31,000 of the proceeds benefited ARF.”
After winning with two-thirds of the vote, Max’s popularity “moved the people of Idyllwild to appeal to ARF for his continuation in office beyond his one-year term. On February 9, 2013, ARF announced the extension of his one-year term to a second and final year, ending on June 30, 2014.”
Sadly, Max, I passed away on April 2, 2013, and Max II was allowed to fill his paws.
“I will be a role model as Mayor for all canines, felines, and humans,” Max II’s oath reads, as the pooch adds that he swears “on my food bowl to faithfully execute my duties.”
And he’s not alone!
There are two other prominent pooches that are part of the local government: Deputy Mayor Mitzi and Deputy Mayor Mickey, who are also golden retrievers. Additionally, Max II is aided by his owner, Phyllis Mueller, his self-appointed Chief of Staff.
The town has continued to love Max II just as much as their original mayor, and in March 2014, it was announced that the pooch would be allowed to serve as the town’s mayor for the rest of his life.
But even though Max II will never have to run for re-election, he may have his sights set on attaining a higher political office someday.
On the frequently asked questions section of the pooch’s website, it was revealed that Max II hasn’t necessarily ruled out a bid for President of the United States.
“Max would love to run for President. He’ll do a great job!” the answer reads.
Sources:
- https://youtu.be/7AWNu4CZhzk
- https://nypost.com/2020/08/08/a-dog-has-been-mayor-of-this-california-town-for-8-years/
- https://people.com/pets/dog-mayor-max-idyllwild-california
- https://awol.junkee.com/max-dog-mayor-california/73051
- https://us-east-2.console.aws.amazon.com/polly/home/SynthesizeSpeech
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