Photo: Sam McManis/Sacramento Bee/TNS via Getty
This California town has gone to the dogs!
Ever since 2013, agolden retrieverknown as Mayor Max II (formally called Maximus Mighty-Dog Mueller II) hasserved as the elected leaderof Idyllwild, California, taking over after the death of his predecessor, Mayor Max, another golden retriever.
As for his official duties, in addition to attending special town events, Max II can typically be found on the weekends in the back of his pickup truck, ready to meet as many of his constituents as possible, according toTravel & Leisure.
In a post on the 6-year-old pup’s official website, Max II also promises to “speak out on behalf of the animalsof this mountain, domesticated and non-domesticated.”
“I will be a role model as Mayor for all canines, felines and humines,” Max II’soath reads, as the pooch adds that he swears “on my food bowl to faithfully execute my duties.”
As if that’s not already adorable enough, Max II frequently dresses up when making public appearances, typically opting towear striped ties.
And he’s not alone!
According to the mayor’s official website, a total of 16 pets were nominated to run for office that year, and Max II’s predecessor picked up the election after raising a total of $31,000 for Animal Rescue Friends (ARF), a local pet welfare organization.
At the prompting of the town, ARFannouncedin February 2013 that Max would be allowed to hold office for two terms, instead of just one, and would remain mayor until June 30, 2014.
However, in the middle of his second term, Max passed away, and his owners, Mueller and her husband, started searching for a replacement.
Mueller explained toTravel & Leisurethat they searched throughout the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom to find a dog that looked exactly like Max, and ended up bringing home three adorable pups: Max II, as well as his deputy mayors Mitzi and Mikey, who are all of the same bloodline.
“When we met Max in his infancy, he looked right at the camera, crossed his arms and did a pose,” she told the outlet. “That’s how he let us know, we said, there it is, that’s the sign, that is the mayor.'”
The town has continued to love Max II just as much as their original mayor, and in March 2014, it was announced that the pooch would be allowed to serve as the town’s mayor for the rest of his life.
But even though Max II will never have to run for re-election, he may have his sights set on attaining a higher political office someday.
On the frequently asked questions section of the pooch’s website, it was revealed that Max II hasn’t necessarilyruled out a bid for President of the United States.
“Max would love to run for President. He’ll do a great job!” the answer reads.
source: people.com
