Mayor Max II
Mayor of Idyllwild–Pine Cove, California
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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]
Mitzi Mighty-Dog Mueller[1]
May 6, 2013
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 Mighty-Dog 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, U.S. |
| Dog | |
| Golden Retriever | |
Sex | Male |
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.[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
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.[9][10]