Mayor Max Of Idyllwild
By Belinda Cai and Phyllis Mueller
“I meet with the public downtown nearly every day. I run a nonpartisan political office, which means I do not take sides on political issues or political parties. I only do kind and loving things for people, and I represent everyone. I love everyone unconditionally. I also do a lot to promote charities and businesses. I go to schools, hospitals, nursing homes and rehab clinics. I visit patients to make them feel better.”
He’s an All-American Golden Retriever purebred, turning seven human years old this May. That makes him 49 years old in dog years, but age aside, he’s a fun, frisky, happy and loving dog. And oh, did we mention? He’s Mayor of Idyllwild. Yes, the mayor! And he’s held the position since he was just 11 weeks old, taking over for Mayor Max the First when he passed away from old age. (Our new Mayor Max's full name is Maximus Mighty-Dog Mueller, II.) All in all, being mayor is a cool job for this cool dog, and his people love him!
Here’s our exclusive interview with the adorable mayor:
Dog Whisperer: What are some of your duties and obligations?
Mayor Max: I meet with the public downtown nearly every day. I run a nonpartisan political office, which means I do not take sides on political issues or political parties. I only do kind and loving things for people, and I represent everyone. I love everyone unconditionally. I also do a lot to promote charities and businesses. I go to schools, hospitals, nursing homes and rehab clinics. I visit patients to make them feel better. I do hundreds of things, but everything I do is kind and loving.
When I attend an event, we promote in the event that I will be there. More people come out because I am there. The events are then more successful. We do a tremendous amount of work with animal rescue organizations, and we are a rescue group ourselves. My charter is to help make the world a better place by conveying unconditional love and doing as many good deeds for others as possible. I am working for peace on earth in our lifetime. ☮
“We do a tremendous amount of work with animal rescue organizations, and we are a rescue group ourselves. My charter is to help make the world a better place by conveying unconditional love and doing as many good deeds for others as possible. I am working for peace on earth in our lifetime. ”
Mayor Max as a puppy!
DW: Who are your owners? Can you tell us about them?
MM: My owners are Phyllis Mueller and Glenn Warren. They are also my Chiefs of Staff. Phyllis is the spokesperson for my nonpartisan political office. Phyllis and Glenn have been happily married since 1984. They have owned three Golden Retrievers since 1985. I, Mayor Max, and my two Deputy Mayors, Mikey and Mitzi, are Phyllis’ and Glenn’s third set of three Golden Retrievers. Mayor Max the First was in their second set of Golden Retrievers. They love the Golden Retriever breed because we are top notch service dogs and because we are so good with people and other animals. We are perfect for jobs that place us in the public.
“I, Mayor Max, and my two Deputy Mayors, Mikey and Mitzi, are Phyllis’ and Glenn’s third set of three Golden Retrievers. Mayor Max the First was in their second set of Golden Retrievers. They love the Golden Retriever breed because we are top notch service dogs and because we are so good with people and other animals. We are perfect for jobs that place us in the public.”
DW: How long have you been with your owners, and what is your bond like?
MM: I have been with my owners my entire life. They even visited me before I could leave my mommy. I am inseparable from them. I love them. They take me everywhere with them. But if for some reason I can’t go with them, they always get me a wonderful dogsitter. I am never left alone. I was brought home from Auanga, California, at 11 weeks old, from EveningStar Kennels.
DW: What are your favorite activities?
MM: This is a very easy question for me. I like to eat. I like to play in my dog runs and retrieve tennis balls. I like to dig holes. And most of all, I like to meet and greet with the public.
DW: What are your favorite foods and snacks?
MM: I am a Golden Retriever. I love to eat everything, even things I’m not supposed to eat. But I think my favorites are pizza, ice cream, dog treats and bacon.
DW: What are some fun facts about you we should know?
MM: I wear a tie to work every day. I weigh 79 and a half pounds. I like to sneak into the pantry or garbage cans seeking snacks. I don’t mind making a mess in the kitchen because I am never disciplined. Everything I do, Phyllis and Glenn think is cute. I am very mischievous that way! If there is any food anywhere, I will find it. Once in a while, Phyllis and Glenn forget to put food on the counter way in the back, so I will snag it. I got a whole blueberry pie once! 🥧
DW: Any closing remarks, Mayor?
MM: I love you with all my heart. I will love you unconditionally for my entire life. You can always reach me by calling Phyllis at 949-525-0100. You can arrange a visit with me on any day by calling Phyllis.
Follow Mayor Max on Instagram @mayormax1.
MAYOR MAX
aka: Maximus Mighty-Dog Mueller, II
Phyllis Mueller
Chief of Staff for the Office of Mayor Max Mueller
Office of the Mayor of Idyllwild
P.O. Box 1848
Idyllwild, California 92549
(951) 659-0283 Mayor Headquarters Office
(949) 525-0100 Phyllis Mueller Mobile
