The Nation’s Best Paw-liticians
There’s another major election just around the corner. It seems as though every month, there’s another history-making, once-in-a-lifetime event, and this election is no exception. In fact, this time around, some cities are making headlines with pets as politicians. Everybody and their mother is on edge, wondering what the future holds. All while being bombarded with political ads, campaign commercials and general unease.
It can drive a person nuts.
And even though the air we breathe during voting season can get thick with political tension, it is still our civil duty to participate and vote.
With that said, we could all use a little break from the mud-slinging and he-said/she-said every now and again. During times like these, we need reassurance, hope and maybe even a good game of fetch to take our minds off heavy things for a moment or two.
That’s where these truly heartwarming politicians come into the picture.
We’ve compiled an updated list of the nations most goodest public servants to help get you through these tumultuous next few months.
In This Article
Mayor Lucky
Omena, Michigan
Mayor Lucky is breaking traditions and making history. Earlier this year, the new Mayor of Omena was announced and, much to the surprise of those in attendance, became a first-ever in the mayor’s office. Whereas previous mayors have been dogs and only a single cat, Mayor Lucky breaks the streak.
He’s a horse.
Horses are quite canonical in terms of Americana imagery, much like eagles and buffalo and bears. But even so, the people of Omena seem to be wary of Lucky. Some have argued that Lucky may have won simply because the dog vote was split, while others argue that people are tired of dog mayors altogether. There have even been some who question Lucky’s allegiance, bringing up that he isn’t even from their town, but rather a transplant. So, seeing how Lucky’s term plays out in Omena will be interesting.
With the position of the mayor being a very public-facing and hands-on role in the tiny town, Lucky is surely going to have to keep the energy up. Whatever happens, it’s good to see a new kind of animal take on the role, and old traditions being broken in the name of progress.
Maximus Mighty Dog Mueller, aka Mayor Max
Idyllwild, California
Phyllis Mueller and Glenn Warren of Idyllwild, California, were the first Max’s doting humans, or, as they were known politically, Max’s Chiefs of Staff. When it came time for a new mayor, Max’s Chiefs of Staff stepped up to the plate and presented the second Max, who became mayor in his father’s pawsteps. He held office for nine long and rewarding years.
The third of the Max’s was adopted from Utah by Phyllis and Glenn, along with his sister Meadow. Max III now holds the coveted and honorable office.
Votes for mayor are cast with a $1 donation to Animal Rescue Friends, or ARF for short. This means that every election brightens the futures of local animal friends in the small SoCal city. Citizens of Idyllwild may be in their 12th year of a dog in office, but it hasn’t gotten old for anybody. Max III still manages to bring joy and love wherever he trots. We here at Livability wish him a long and prosperous life and term. And, we would definitely vote for him if we could.
Mayor Wilbur
Rabbit Hash, Kentucky
The Mayor of Rabbit Hash is not a rabbit named Wilbur. And no, it’s not a pig, either. It’s a French Bulldog.
Succeeding Mayor Brynneth Pawltro, Mayor Wilbur took office in 2020 and has held office since. Amy Noland, Wilbur’s human and political confidant, describes Rabbit Hash as a community of animal lovers. So, it makes sense that the town has had pet mayors since the ’90s.
Wilbur is the most recent in a long tradition of pet politics in Rabbit Hash. And Wilbur says he is honored and humbled to have been passed the mantle of mayor. He also stands on the platform to stop breaking dog treats in half, and I gotta say I agree. I stand with Wilbur #mayorwilbur.
Mayor Lincoln
Fair Haven, Vermont
Mayor Lincoln lives up to her historical namesake in all ways but her height. The Nubian goat was young for holding such a post — only three at the time of her swearing-in back in 2019 — but she carries herself with fortitude and grit like goats three times her age. After inking her name to the official paperwork with a blue-dipped hoof, she swore herself into the role of defender of the people of Fair Haven’s well-being. She has done so quite happily, donning an official Mayor’s sash across her belly. Fair Haven, Vermont, is indeed indebted to her.
Mayor Clay Henry IV
Lajitas, Texas
Clay Henry became Mayor out of spite in 1986 when the owner of the town said an animal would make a better mayor than the man who was supposed to run. In a landslide election, Clay Henry, a beer-drinking goat, was elected the new mayor. Since then, goats have held office in the town of Lajitas.
The current Clay Henry is the fourth generation to take up the office. However, there has been some debate over the legitimacy of his title, as there are some who think he may not be a true descendant of the previous Clay Henry. On top of this, the Henrys have a long and controversial history in the town, a history dotted with animosity, alcohol, and even some violence.
It appears not even pet politics is immune from scandals.
No matter the headlines, though, the current Clay Henry IV seems to find peace in the simple things: friendly conversations and cold beer. What more could you ask for, really?
Mayor Parker the Snow Dog
Georgetown, Colorado
The final and one of the most recent elects on our list hails from Georgetown, Colorado, and comes in the form of a majestic Bernese Mountain Dog named Parker. Mayor Parker, the Snow Dog, is a very busy paw-litician who cares deeply for his community and makes every effort to go above and beyond his call of duty. For example, he’s the official mascot for the Loveland Ski Area and is heavily featured on the slopes in full ski regalia. He is a member of the Scheels Sports team, encouraging residents to get active and stay active through adventure and games. He’s a huge sports fan, with a paw-ticular affection for the Broncos. And most importantly, he is a therapy dog for the Rocky Mountain Village Camp, a non-profit camp for children & adults with disabilities.
Mayor Parker the Snow Dog does so much, and we wish him a long and successful run as mayor. Come the next election; we know who we’re casting our vote for…
In Memoriam: Mayor Bosco Ramos
Sunol, California
When news of Mayor Bosco’s election reached overseas, some people were unhappy to hear it. Somewhere in the offices of the People’s Daily newspaper in China, reporters frothed. They wrote and printed a story about the failings of American democracy, the degradation of our political system and the utter stupidity of our election processes. Because how could the town of Sunol, California, elect a Lab Rottweiler dog as mayor over two other human candidates?
Sunol quickly responded, saying it was only a joke and not to take it too seriously, but everyone knew the truth. Bosco took his role very seriously. He sat as mayor for over ten years in the small town of Sunol and even appeared on television game shows and other printed stories about the town! And if anyone still believes his election was merely a joke, try leading them to the very real and very regal statue of Bosco Ramos sitting stoically at the town post office and see what they say then.