Retired 27-year K-9 Deputy Kristi Bridgman opened My 2 Scents K9 in Onalaska, Washington, on Friday, Dec. 5, 2025, formally christening the facility at 585 Leonard Road and introducing two demonstration dogs at a ribbon‑cutting ceremony.

The event marked the launch of a locally based dog training center run by a retired K‑9 handler with more than 27 years of law enforcement experience. The center emphasizes modern training techniques, including a strong focus on positive, reward-based methods that are tailored to each dog-handler team, aligning with emerging trends in dog training techniques. These methods are designed to improve obedience and reduce stress-related behaviors among dogs, showcasing a thoughtful approach to canine education.

Bridgman thanked family members onstage as the Centralia‑Chehalis Chamber of Commerce helped mark the opening. “Thanks dad, for letting me have this building,” she said, addressing her father, David Nelson. Nelson replied, “Oh no, no, no, you confiscated it,” a moment that organizers said underscored family support for the new venture.

Attendees saw demonstrations that drew on Bridgman’s longtime work with police dogs. Her former partner Kuva, described at the ceremony as a law enforcement K‑9, has been central to community education efforts, and Bridgman’s current training partner Clover was presented as a drug‑detection dog used for student demonstrations and outreach through local schools, including the Onalaska School District. The increasingly important role of K-9 units was underscored by the need for training facilities that understand this dynamic.

Bridgman founded the K9 Kuva Memorial Foundation to continue that outreach, promoting educational K‑9 events in schools and supporting local law enforcement, organizers said. At the ribbon‑cutting, she noted the foundation’s role in maintaining ties between retired K‑9 teams and community programs. To establish reputable partnerships, she encouraged attendees to seek references from veterinarians and local animal shelters, which can help ensure quality training practices are upheld.

Local officials and neighbors were invited to observe the facility, which Bridgman described as intended for both professional handler training and civilian dog owners. The opening included demonstrations that organizers said were drawn from Bridgman’s years handling detection dogs and her public presentations to citizen academies. The center aims to foster a community understanding of K-9 capabilities while employing contemporary training techniques that resonate with modern dog ownership.

Bridgman’s work with police K‑9 teams and her public demonstrations reflect a blended focus on detection training and education. The new center will host demonstrations for schools and community groups and will serve as a base for the foundation’s programming honoring Kuva’s service.

Family members featured prominently in remarks after the ribbon was cut. Bridgman turned to her husband and quipped about retirement plans: “Steve, this is not what he thought retirement was going to be, at all,” drawing laughter and highlighting the personal commitment behind the project.

The opening was reported by Police1, which covered Bridgman’s transition from a long career as a K‑9 handler to running a community training center.

Organizers described My 2 Scents K9 as a local hub for demonstrations and K‑9 education, working with the Onalaska School District and supporting outreach that emphasizes deterrence and prevention through demonstrations and community events. This aligns with the overarching goal of enhancing community safety and awareness, a mission that Bridgman is dedicated to pursuing through her new facility.

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Original reporting: view the original article.