Say hi to Palm Springs' new most popular politician: its first canine mayor

He's famous. He's extremely comfortable on camera. He has political ambition.

His name is Buddy Holly, and on Monday he'll raise his paw and be sworn in as the first "canine mayor" of Palm Springs.

Here's what you should know about the city's friendly, four-legged official.

Who's Buddy Holly, the dog?

Buddy Holly won best in show at the 147th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in May. His win made history. The 6-year old became the first Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen (PBGV for short) to ever win best in show in Westminster's long and storied history.

What's Buddy Holly's connection to Palm Springs?

Buddy Holly's handler and owner, Janice Hayes, and her husband have lived in the city for eight and 13 years, respectively. Buddy, himself, is new to the desert scene. Hayes adopted him from England last year. Then, the two of them crisscrossed the country from dog show to dog show until winning the biggest of them all, Westminster. With all that touring in the rearview mirror, Buddy, like many humans, has been enjoying retirement in Palm Springs.

Another celeb turned politician?

Like many camera-friendly celebrities before him, Buddy has been lured into a second career in politics. After being sworn in at Monday night's city council meeting, he'll make appearances around town as an ambassador for the city — attending ribbon-cuttings, Walk of Stars ceremonies and some surprise events.

Does Buddy Holly have a platform?

Buddy Holly promises to spread smiles, laughter and joy while educating residents about his special breed, adorably known as the "happy breed."

More: Westminster Best in Show Buddy Holly the latest star to retire to Palm Springs

More: Buddy Holly the PBGV makes history with Best in Show win at 147th Westminster Dog Show

Are there other dog mayors?

But of course. Not far away in the mountain hamlet of Idyllwild, there have been not one, but three of them: Mayor Max, Mayor Max II and now Mayor Max III.

The 10-month-old incumbent assumed office late last year after his predecessor went to the dog park in the sky. The dog mayors there have life tenure and raise money and spirits through regular appearances around town.

While some mayors have trouble accounting for how they spend public money, everything Mayor Max raises goes to Idyllwild Animal Rescue Friends to care for animals.

This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Westminster best in show winner to be Palm Springs' first canine mayor