Meet Mayor Max II: The Golden Retriever Leading Idyllwild, California

In Idyllwild, a quaint mountain town in Southern California, the mayor was practically born with a tie around his neck. At just 11 weeks old, he was grandfathered into office; eager to put his paws to work, liaising with local businesses, and helping to promote the town’s message of love well beyond its winding mountain roads. In his official capacity, he’s known as “Maximus mighty-dog mueller, the second,” but to this town and to the world, he’s known as “Mayor Max” – the Earth’s only Golden Retriever mayor.

How a Dog Became Mayor of Idyllwild

Since Idyllwild is an unincorporated and non-partisan town, its residents believe they can manage local affairs better on their own. In 2012, the nonprofit Idyllwild Animal Rescue Friends ran a sponsored election featuring various pets. Mayor Max I, Max II’s predecessor, won with an overwhelming majority but sadly passed away during his second term. This prompted his owner and chief of staff, Phyllis Mueller, to search internationally, including Canada and the UK, for a suitable successor. Serendipitously, Phyllis discovered two litters of Golden Retrievers in the U.S. that belonged to Max’s bloodline. She brought home two pups, Mike and Mitzy, who currently serve as the mayor’s deputies, and found Mayor Max II, who “was born to be mayor,” according to Phyllis. “He looked into my camera with folded arms.”

Where to Find Mayor Max II

After a scenic two-hour drive from Los Angeles toward San Jacinto’s peak, you’ll arrive in Idyllwild – a town with a vibrant population of 2,500 at an elevation of 5,400 feet. As you navigate the road lined with sequoias, still recovering from a nearby forest fire, you’ll finally reach the office of Mayor Max. A gentle knock at his door will prompt a wagging tail and a striped tie draped over his ruff as he greets visitors. Phyllis follows shortly after, noting, “Journalists usually come here to report on this cute dog, but Mayor Max is so much more than that. He’s going to inspire world peace.”

Throughout his tenure of six years, Mayor Max II has attended over 1,000 local events. He has helped pull motorists from snow, attracted tourists to the town, paid for veterinary services for those unable to care for their pets, and provided comfort to those in need. “Thank you for saving my life,” read one of the hundreds of heartfelt letters Phyllis has preserved in the mayor’s office. Looking into Max’s kind chestnut eyes, you might wonder how something so adorable became so essential.

Max’s Growing Influence in Idyllwild

While he could easily become a global therapy dog, it’s truly the kindness and compassion of his owners that have spread his warmth throughout the town, and increasingly beyond. Phyllis receives five to fifteen requests daily from locals wishing to have Max visit them, and she typically accommodates these requests. She maintains close communication with Max’s 53,300 Instagram followers, sharing daily photos from one of their outings in town where Max greets both locals and visitors who travel from around the world just to meet him. “The furthest we’ve had is a family from Dubai,” remarked Phyllis.

With an enthusiastic tail wag, he meets visitors from the mayor’s special pick-up truck, outfitted with a cowboy hat and a tie (with over 100 ties reserved for various occasions). He strikes poses with families, flashing a grin that rivals even Marilyn Monroe’s. “Can he officiate our wedding?” one couple inquires. “Let’s see what we can do. He’ll certainly be there,” Phyllis replies with a smile.

Nearby, Mark, one of the mayor’s human helpers, distributes magnetic “Max” business cards. “It brings me so much joy to give these out,” he shares. “Seeing the look on people’s faces makes me happy.” Most locals proudly showcase their cards on their fridges.

The office of Mayor Max is financed entirely by his owners, with approximately half of their income—Phyllis and her husband Glenn also run their marketing company—allocated towards events, merchandise, local initiatives, and unforeseen expenses. Last year, they invested $10,000 in Max’s birthday celebration, which attracted 1,000 attendees. This year, they find themselves considering the sustainability of their efforts, especially as Max’s popularity continues to soar. Annually, they typically spend around $30,000 on calendars alone, which they distribute for free. Consequently, they are pondering whether to monetize Mayor Max to ensure his office remains functional.

Such considerations reflect the weight of responsibility resting on one furry boy’s shoulders, yet he remains blissfully carefree, rolling onto his back after a fulfilling day of spreading joy and receiving well-earned belly rubs. “I love you Max, I appreciate your work,” Phyllis expresses earnestly. “I make sure to tell him that every day; I never forget.”