History of the Three Administrations 

Mayor Max the First (Maximus Mighty-Dog Mueller) was voted into office during an election held on June 11, 12, and 13, 2012 in Idyllwild, and was inaugurated to a one-year term on July 1, 2012.

As Idyllwild is an unincorporated town, it has no human mayor or other politicians. Idyllwild Animal Rescue Friends (ARF), a non-profit 501(c)(3), sponsored Idyllwild’s first-ever mayoral election. Any local resident was permitted to nominate his or her dog or cat. Fourteen dogs and two cats were nominated and ran for office. Constituents cast their votes via $1 donations each, and all $31,000 of the proceeds benefited ARF.

Max won a full two-thirds of the votes, and became Idyllwild’s first mayor.

Max’s popularity moved the people of Idyllwild to appeal to ARF for his continuation in office beyond his one-year term. On February 9, 2013, ARF announced the extension of his one-year term to a second and final year, ending on June 30, 2014.

On April 2, 2013, Mayor Max the First passed away after just nine months in office. The successor for the remainder of Max the First’s term, Maximus Mighty-Dog Mueller the Second, arrived in Idyllwild on July 21, 2013. Idyllwild Animal Rescue Friends approved his mayoral transition plan.

Upon his arrival to Idyllwild, Mayor Max the Second was accompanied by two deputy mayors: Mikey and Mitzi (Mikey Mighty-Dog Mueller and Mitzi Mighty-Dog Mueller). The trio was often referred to as “the Mayor and the spares” or simply “the Mayors of Idyllwild.”

Mayor Max the Second, Deputy Mayor Mikey, and Deputy Mayor Mitzi were all related to Mayor Max the First; all four dogs shared a common ancestor. Mikey and Mitzi are siblings from the same litter, and Mayor Max the Second was a cousin of theirs. Mikey and Mitzi were born in Ohio, and Mayor Max the Second was born in California.

In March of 2014, as the June 30 end of Mayor Max the Second’s term approached, ARF solicited the town’s interest in holding another election. Once again, the people overwhelmingly pled for Mayor Max the Second’s continuation in perpetuity. Max and his Deputies served the town of Idyllwild until Mayor Max the Second’s passing on July 30, 2022, having served 9 years. He was vibrant, happy, and seemingly healthy the day before he died. Mayor Max the Second was survived by his Deputy Mayors, Mikey and Mitzi, along with his Chiefs of Staff, Phyllis and Glenn. His love for people and the love they felt for him endures.

Upon the passing of Mayor Max the Second, ARF was consulted regarding the future of the mayorship in Idyllwild and responded with a very kind letter expressing its board’s gracious best wishes for the continuation of Mayor Max.

Deputy Mayors Mikey and Mitzi served as Interim Co-Mayors after Mayor Max the Second’s passing.

On September 5, 2022, Mayor Max the Third was born. He arrived home on November 6, 2022, along with his sister, Meadow. Mayor Max the Third’s debut to Idyllwild and commencement of duties was on December 10, 2022.

On December 9, 2024, Mikey passed away from old age.

Mayor Max the Third continues to serve the town of Idyllwild, along with Vice Mayor Meadow and Deputy Mayor Mitzi.

Deep Dive into the History of Mayor Max –
Links to Additional Information

• The Idyllwild Town Crier Article That Started It All
• Mayor Max the First Campaign Platform and Materials
• Mini Me (aka: Mini Max), Interim Mayor of Idyllwild!
• Pookie Louise Mueller, the Nanny
• ARF Extends Mayor Max’s Terms
• The Trio – Mayor Max the Second, Mikey & Mitzi
• ARF Letter Upon the Passing of Mayor Max the Second