Max (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 a non-incorporated town, it has no human mayor. Idyllwild Animal Rescue Friends (ARF), a non-profit 501(c)(3), sponsored its first-ever election for cats and dogs. Constituents cast their votes via $1 donations each, and all $31,000 of the proceeds benefited ARF. 14 dogs and 2 cats were nominated and ran for office.

Max, an independent, ran on the platform of convey unconditional love and do as many good deeds for others as possible.

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

Read more at www.mayormax.com.