Maximus Mighty-Dog Mueller II (May 6, 2013 – July 30, 2022) was a golden retriever dog who served as the second mayor of Idyllwild, part of the census-designated placeofIdyllwild–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]
Idyllwild is known for being one of the first places to elect a dog for mayor.[4] The town is an unincorporated area with no local government. In 2012, as a fundraiser envisioned by and organized for the benefit of local animal rescue non-profit organization Idyllwild Animal Rescue Friends (ARF), town locals held an election in which residents could nominate their dogs and cats to run for Mayor. Only non-humans could be on the ballot.[3]
Fourteen dogs and two cats ran, and Max, a Golden Retriever, was elected as Idyllwild's first mayor. In 2013, Mayor Max died, and Maximus Mighty-Dog Mueller II, another Golden Retriever, arrived in Idyllwild 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.[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]
Mayor 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]
