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.[2] After his death Mayor Max II was succeeded by his cousin Max III, who was sworn in on December 10, 2022.[3]
Mayor Max II | |
|---|---|
 Mayor Max II in his visiting truck, November 24, 2013 | |
| Mayor-for-life of Idyllwild | |
| In office July 21, 2013 – July 30, 2022 | |
| Deputy | Mikey Mighty-Dog Mueller Mitzi Marie Mueller[1] |
| Preceded by | Max I |
| Succeeded by | Max III |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Maximus Mighty-Dog Mueller May 6, 2013 |
| Died | July 30, 2022 (aged 9) Temecula, California |
| Species | Dog |
| Breed | Golden Retriever |
| Sex | Male |
Mayorality
editIn 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.[4] 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.[5][3]
Mayor Max was recognized by the County of Riverside, California.[6] 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.[7] 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.[8]
Death
editMayor Max died in the city of Temecula on July 30, 2022, after suffering a brief medical issue.[9] He was succeeded by Mayor Max III, who formally took office on December 10, 2022.[10][11]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ Jacobo, Julia (May 30, 2019). "Golden retriever named Mueller is mayor of Southern California town". ABC News. ABC News Internet Ventures. Archived from the original on April 5, 2022. Retrieved April 10, 2021.
- ^ Jacobo, Julia (May 30, 2019). "Golden retriever named Mueller is the mayor of Southern California town". ABC News. ABC News Internet Ventures. Archived from the original on April 5, 2022. Retrieved April 10, 2021.
- ^ a b Page, Sydney (September 29, 2023). "A dog is 'mayor' in this town. 'I didn't take it as a joke,' says owner". The Washington Post. Retrieved September 30, 2023.
There's been nepotism and vote buying in the town of Idyllwild, California
- ^ "Mayor Max of Idyllwild, California". www.mayormax.com. Retrieved July 31, 2024.
- ^ "Office of the Mayor of Idyllwild". (Retrieved January 24, 2021)
- ^ Riverside County Supervisor Chuck Washington and Mayor Max, November 24, 2019, retrieved April 10, 2021
- ^ "Mayor Max 2 - Learn the amazing story of how a dog became the mayor of a Californian town -". May 10, 2021. Archived from the original on November 19, 2022. Retrieved November 19, 2022.
- ^ "An Interview with Idyllwild's Mayor Max". Retrieved August 21, 2021.
- ^ "Office of the Mayor of Idyllwild". (Retrieved August 3, 2022)
- ^ "Office of the Mayor of Idyllwild". (Retrieved March 11, 2023)
- ^ Madden, Emma (September 24, 2023). "'He ate three of his ties in a month': California's dog mayor celebrates a year in office". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved September 27, 2023.