NWRRC Member Profile

Gale Severson

Member since 1990

Gale Severson, of Mwen-Yezi Ridgebacks, joined our Club in 1990, just a year after it was formed. She has been on the board a few times, has contributed a ton to supported entries over the years, is widely respected as a breeder, and is known for her warm, authentic, and kind character. Gale joined RRCUS in 1995 and has been active in that club as well. She’s been in charge of rosettes at the National Specialty off and on since 2017, and 2024 marks her 5th time doing so. To know Gale is to love Gale so we are thrilled to be able to profile her here.

Gale with her Mwen-Yezi Rhodesian Ridgebacks

Growing up: My Mother would never let me have a dog growing up. She said I was allergic to them. I still love her in Heaven, but as soon as I moved out of our home, I got a Miniature Poodle. I knew them to be hypoallergenic. As it turns out, I am not allergic to dogs, but I am allergic to cats. Ha!

My life growing up pretty much revolved around my horses. I rode in Girls Posse, Hunt Club, and Game Club. I participated in performance events at horse shows and it was a great way to grow up if one couldn’t have any dogs.

Ridgebacks: I got my first Ridgeback in 1989 from Oakhurst Kennels, Barbara and Dick Rupert. I named her Zuri and she became CH Oakhurst V Mzuri Sana, CD. I still dream about her and it’s because of her that I became hooked on Ridgebacks. I also got my second female Ridgeback from Oakhurst, and a boy later from an Oakhurst breeding.

I then got a puppy from Ivy League Kennel, with Danielle Sand, DVM. CH Ivy League’s M’Kala of Mwen-Yezi, JC. She became my foundation bitch. M’Kala’s dam had won Westminster the year before, and was bred to Beckett, who was one of my all-time favorite dogs. I chose Mwen-Yezi as my kennel name because it means “Almighty” in Swahili and I thought that fit well with our wonderful breed.

Over the 35 years, I have had 11 litters and kept 14 Ridgebacks. Currently we have five that live with us here in Bend, OR. I do not breed my girls more than twice, and a few I never bred. Many of my puppy people have become my good friends, and I have only had one “non-perfect” home.

Breeding: Breeding and raising a litter is a lot of work, takes time and money… and I absolutely love being with them! As someone once told me, breeding is not for wussies… and I have found that to be true. Also true is that it’s been one of the best parts of my life.

My dogs are all pets first, and show/performance dogs next. I have done conformation, obedience, agility, lure coursing, and recently started scent work.

Gale’s Mwen-Yezi RRs dogs have been super successful in all venues! They have had many Breed wins, several Group placements, and worked up to Master’s titles in agility. About her dogs, Gale says:

“They never disappoint me! They are my ‘babies’ and their welfare always comes first. I am so happy I am retired and can be with them 24 hours, 7 days a week.”