Maximus Mighty-Dog Mueller II (May 6, 2013 – July 30, 2022) was a Golden Retriever dog who served as the second unofficial mayor of Idyllwild, part of the census-designated place of Idyllwild–Pine Cove, California. His deputy mayors, Mitzi and Mikey, were his cousins. After his death Mayor Max II was succeeded by his cousin Max III, who was sworn in on December 10, 2022.
Mayoralty In 2012, the non-profit organization Idyllwild Animal Rescue Friends (ARF) hosted an "election" for mayor of Idyllwild (which, as part of an unincorporated community, has no local government) as part of a fundraising event for the organization. Fourteen dogs and two cats ran, and Max, a Golden Retriever, was elected as Idyllwild's first mayor. On April 2, 2013, Mayor Max died, and Maximus Mighty-Dog Mueller II, another Golden Retriever, arrived in Idyllwild on July 21 to complete the remainder of the term. In March 2014, as the end of Max's term approached, ARF solicited the town's interest in holding another election. The people overwhelmingly pled for Mayor Max's continuation in perpetuity."Office of the Mayor of Idyllwild". (Retrieved January 24, 2021)
Mayor Max was recognized by the County of Riverside, California. The mayor's duties included visiting with locals and out-of-town visitors, attending business grand openings and other town functions, participating in the town's two annual parades, and promoting Idyllwild. Max's popularity had spread the world over, and he has represented the town through appearances on news programs, talk shows, advertisements, billboards, and a game show.
Death
Mayor Max was hospitalized and died in Temecula, California on July 30, 2022. He was succeeded by Mayor Max III, who formally took office on December 10, 2022."Office of the Mayor of Idyllwild". (Retrieved March 11, 2023)
See also List of individual dogs Non-human electoral candidate
References
External links Mayor Max, Mayor of Idyllwild, California - Official website