Dogs are known for their loyalty, love, and playfulness. They are also great companions and have been known to work in various fields such as rescue operations, therapy, and even politics! Yes, you read that right- some dogs have been elected as mayors in the United States. These furry politicians have gained popularity among their constituents who appreciate their unique approach to governance. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at nine famous dogs elected as ‘mayors’ in the US.
List of Famous Dogs Elected as Mayors in the US
- Bosco Ramos
- Duke the Dog
- Lucy Lou
- Gideon
- Maximus Mighty-Dog Mueller II
Bosco Ramos: The First Canine Mayor
Bosco Ramos was the first dog ever to be elected as mayor in the United States. He held office in Sunol, California, from 1981 till his retirement in 1994. He was a black Labrador and Rottweiler mix who gained popularity by visiting local establishments and charming visitors with his friendly demeanor. In his time as mayor, Bosco was often seen riding in the back of a convertible during community events and parades.
Early Life and Political Career
Bosco was born in 1980 in Sunol, California. He was adopted by Tom and Sandra Foreman, who owned the local liquor store. During his early years, Bosco would frequently visit the store and greet customers, earning him a reputation as the unofficial mascot of Sunol.
In 1981, the then-mayor of Sunol passed away. To honor the memory of the beloved mayor, a special election was held to elect a new mayor. Bosco’s owners decided to run him as a candidate, and much to everyone’s surprise, he won by a landslide.
Achievements as Mayor
During his time in office, Bosco didn’t pass any laws or regulations, but he did bring a lot of attention and tourism to the small town of Sunol. He became known for his love of riding in convertibles during community events and parades, as well as his friendly demeanor.
Bosco was often seen visiting local schools, where he would charm students with his playful antics. He also had a habit of sneaking into local businesses, where he would be greeted with open arms by business owners and patrons alike.
Duke the Dog: A Tale of Loyalty and Love
Duke the Dog was elected mayor of Cormorant, Minnesota, in 2014. He was a Great Pyrenees who gained popularity among the town’s residents for his loyalty and love towards them.
Early Life and Political Career
Duke was first adopted by a Cormorant resident named David Rick. However, he soon became a regular visitor at the local pub, where he would frequently greet patrons and beg for scraps. His charming personality earned him the nickname “Duke the Dog.”
In 2014, the then-mayor of Cormorant passed away, and a special mayoral race was held to elect a new mayor. Duke’s name was added to the ballot as a joke, but much to everyone’s surprise, he won by a landslide.
Achievements as Mayor
As mayor of Cormorant, Duke didn’t have any official duties or responsibilities. However, he did attend local events and parades, where he was often seen riding in the back of a convertible.
Duke’s main achievement was bringing attention and tourism to Cormorant. Visitors from all over the country came to meet the famous mayor and take pictures with him. Duke also became an unofficial ambassador for the town, as his friendly demeanor and loyalty towards the residents exemplified the community’s values.
Lucy Lou: The Border Collie Mayor
Lucy Lou was a border collie who served as the mayor of Rabbit Hash, Kentucky, from 2008 till her retirement in 2016. She gained popularity among the town’s residents for her intelligence and hard work.
Early Life and Political Career
Lucy Lou was born on July 25, 2004, in Rabbit Hash, Kentucky. She was adopted by Bobbi Kayser, who ran a local business in town. In 2006, Bobbi decided to run Lucy Lou as a mayoral candidate in the upcoming election, and much to everyone’s surprise, she won by a landslide.
Achievements as Mayor
As mayor of Rabbit Hash, Lucy Lou had several official duties and responsibilities. She attended town meetings, greeted visitors, and even represented the town at various events across the country.
Lucy Lou’s most significant achievement was raising funds for the town’s restorationefforts after a devastating flood in 2015. She also helped bring attention to the town’s historical significance, as Rabbit Hash is home to several buildings that date back to the 19th century.
Lucy Lou was also known for her intelligence and hard work. She participated in agility competitions and even had a job as a herding dog on a nearby farm. Her dedication to her duties as mayor and her love for her community made her a beloved figure among her constituents.
Gideon: The Therapy Dog Mayor
Gideon was a therapy dog who served as the mayor of the town of Rabbit Hash, Kentucky, from 2021 until his passing later that year. He gained popularity for his charitable work and his ability to comfort those in need.
Early Life and Political Career
Gideon was born in 2017 in Indiana. He was adopted by Amy Noland, who worked as a massage therapist and used Gideon as a therapy dog for her clients. In 2020, Amy decided to move to Rabbit Hash and run Gideon as a mayoral candidate in the upcoming election.
In 2021, Gideon won the mayoral race by a landslide, becoming the first therapy dog to hold office in Kentucky.
Achievements as Mayor
As mayor of Rabbit Hash, Gideon continued his work as a therapy dog, visiting nursing homes, hospitals, and schools to comfort those in need. He also raised funds for various charities and causes, including organizations that support veterans and homeless animals.
Gideon’s tenure as mayor was short-lived, as he passed away just a few months after taking office. However, his legacy lives on, as his charitable work and dedication to helping others continue to inspire those who knew him.
Maximus Mighty-Dog Mueller II: The Border Collie Mayor
Maximus Mighty-Dog Mueller II was a border collie who served as the mayor of Rabbit Hash, Kentucky, from 2018 until his passing in 2020. He gained popularity for his intelligence and his love for his community.
Early Life and Political Career
Maximus Mighty-Dog Mueller II was born on October 1, 2013, in Rabbit Hash, Kentucky. He was owned by Bobbi Kayser, who also owned Lucy Lou, the previous canine mayor of Rabbit Hash. In 2018, Bobbi decided to run Maximus as a mayoral candidate in the upcoming election.
Much like his predecessor, Maximus won the mayoral race by a landslide, becoming the third border collie to hold office in Rabbit Hash.
Achievements as Mayor
As mayor of Rabbit Hash, Maximus helped raise funds for various local charities and causes. He also attended town meetings and greeted visitors, promoting the town’s historical significance and natural beauty.
Maximus was known for his intelligence and his love for his community. He participated in agility competitions and even had a job as a herding dog on a nearby farm. His dedication to his duties as mayor and his friendly demeanor made him a beloved figure among his constituents.
Conclusion
Dogs have been known to work in various fields, including politics. These famous dogs elected as ‘mayors’ in the US have brought attention to their communities and promoted tourism. They have also exemplified the values of their communities, such as loyalty, love, and hard work. While they may not have any official duties or responsibilities as mayors, their unique approach to governance and their friendly demeanor haveprojects. She helped to raise over $8,000 for the restoration of the Rabbit Hash General Store, which had been destroyed in a fire. Additionally, Lucy Lou worked tirelessly to promote tourism in Rabbit Hash, hosting events and welcoming visitors from all over the world.
Lucy Lou was also known for her intelligence and hard work. She learned how to open doors and even helped her owners with their landscaping business. Her dedication to the community earned her national recognition, and she was featured in several news outlets and TV shows.
After eight years of service, Lucy Lou retired as mayor in 2016. However, her legacy lives on in Rabbit Hash, where she is remembered as a beloved member of the community and a symbol of hard work and dedication.