Meet Brody Coates

We were lucky to catch up with Brody Coates recently and have shared our conversation below.

Brody, we are so deeply grateful to you for opening up about your journey with mental health in the hops that it can help someone who might be going through something similar. Can you talk to us about your mental health journey and how you overcame or persisted despite any issues? For readers, please note this is not medical advice, we are not doctors, you should always consult professionals for advice and that this is merely one person sharing their story and experience.

I have struggled with chronic depression, body image issues, and fear of being abandoned my whole life. These challenges have affected every choice I’ve made. Even now, I have to work hard to understand my experiences. I know I will carry some of these issues with me forever. I will keep trying to lessen their impact, but I must learn to manage them because they will always be there.

I have been in therapy on and off for years and have tried many medications. It wasn’t until I hit rock bottom and lost everything I valued that I began to change. During that dark time, I realized that being at my lowest point allowed me to choose my path forward. I couldn’t go back. I have been working hard to become someone I like and respect. I can’t rely on others’ opinions of me anymore. With the help of a great therapist, I am learning to take care of myself.

I like to think I am in recovery, but I know I am just one bad situation away from falling back. I will never be fully recovered, so focusing on my mental health is essential for me and everyone else. We all have our own struggles and pain. I no longer carry shame, but I still have regrets. I share this not for sympathy but to encourage others to face their own challenges. Everyone deserves to live without being held back by mental health issues. If you’re struggling, remember that it’s okay to talk about it and seek help. You deserve support, and it’s okay to need it.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

After moving out of home for college , I quickly got my own purebred dogs and started breeding. I began with Chihuahuas and then moved on to Boxers. I successfully paired, raised, and found great homes for them. After a break from breeding, I discovered Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and fell in love. They are adorable puppies and stay cute their whole lives. However, I learned that Cavaliers have many health problems. Their small founding population after WWII caused serious genetic issues and low diversity, which hurt their health. I was heartbroken to find out that many Cavalier puppies wouldn’t live past eight years due to inherited health issues.

Genetic testing became popular among breeders, but some focused only on appearance and ignored health. I searched for a breeder who cared about both health and looks. I found one less than a mile from my home—a professor in the veterinary department. They had a litter of Blenheim and Tricolor puppies imported from Ireland. I visited the puppies when they were two weeks old and met Windsor, my first Cavalier. I visited him every week to watch him grow and learn from his caring breeders. I was inspired to do the same.

I brought Windsor home at eight weeks, and he exceeded all my expectations. They are the cutest, sweetest, happiest dogs ever. Later, I found another breeder who met my standards and got a Ruby puppy named Charlotte to keep Windsor company. They inspired my breeding program, Windsor Cavaliers. Over the years, I met other breeders and produced great litters, but I wanted more. I decided to enter the show ring with a healthy Cavalier to show that health and appearance can go together.

To start this journey, I needed another puppy. By then, I knew many breeders and began my search. Then Covid changed everything. My long-term relationship ended, and I moved, taking Windsor and his daughter, Victoria, with me. I chose Hyde Park Cavaliers in North Carolina as the breeder for my show puppy and put down a deposit on a future pup. I quit my job to focus on my dreams, and that’s when Windsor Cavaliers began to take shape.
After passing up several litters, Phillip was born. From the moment I saw his picture, I knew he was the one. I felt a special connection with him. I said yes, and the countdown began for me to pick him up at the airport in eight weeks. I was excited and inspired. I formed an LLC, and began to pursue my dreams, that’s when Windsor Cavaliers started. After considering several litters, I found Phillip. The moment I saw his picture, I knew he was the one for me. I felt a special bond with him. I said yes, and then I eagerly awaited his arrival at the airport in eight weeks. I was excited and motivated. I formed an LLC, created a brand name and logo, and began building my dream kennel.

Just a week before I was set to pick up Phillip, my life changed dramatically. On Easter Sunday 2023, I suffered a massive heart attack at age 38, weighing 145 lbs. I was diagnosed with Pericarditis, likely caused by either Covid or the vaccine. A virus was inflaming the sack around my heart, making it hard for my heart to function. I will have this virus for life, and it can flare up at any time. I took three pills, three times a day, and felt exhausted. I struggled to walk up the stairs. I realized I couldn’t care for Phillip as he deserved. Heartbroken, I found a great puppy boarding school and enrolled Phillip there. I would drop him off on Fridays for 6 to 8 weeks. I was sad and angry that I couldn’t be with my dream puppy, but I was grateful he would receive the training he needed. I focused on my recovery and building my brand while he learned from the wonderful team at Puppy Steps Training.

I recovered and brought Phillip home, and he was everything I hoped for. We enrolled in show classes and started learning together. Then, I lost my job, which gave me more time to focus on showing Phillip. We entered our first show and placed second each day in our class. I was hooked. Now, Phillip is an IABCA International Champion, has earned his AKC Puppy of Achievement, and has won 1st in class in Utah, Idaho, Oregon, and California, where he won Best Puppy in Show. He has sired successful litters and is my best little friend. Challenges still arise, but because I love what I do, I find a way to keep moving forward.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

The qualities of compassion, curiosity, and resilience are what I consistently rely on. When I align with my true self and stay connected to my values—both mentally and emotionally—I produce my best work and feel fulfilled. Conversely, it’s when I neglect my own needs, values, or disconnect from either my mind or heart that I tend to stumble. My aim is to be honest, honorable, and kind; however, this doesn’t mean I will always agree with others or simply follow orders. If you ask for my perspective, I’ll share it honestly—even if it’s not what you were hoping to hear. For those just beginning their journey, the most important advice I can offer is to stay true to yourself and make choices that reflect both your mind and your heart. It may not always pan out perfectly, but at least you’ll know you gave it your all and will carry fewer regrets.

What has been your biggest area of growth or improvement in the past 12 months?

A year ago this month, I took part in my very first conformation dog show. I was incredibly anxious, to the point where I mentally blanked out and can’t even recall being in the ring! Fortunately, I managed to stay on my feet, but my lack of preparation and some misguided assumptions made it challenging for me. In the end, I secured 2nd place—though there were only two competitors! It was clear to me that I had a lot to improve upon, and I wasn’t shy about seeking guidance. At my most recent show, I achieved 1st place in my class each day across four days and earned reserve winner (2nd place among all male Cavaliers) on two occasions. This past year has been a tremendous learning experience for me, and I’m genuinely excited to continue growing and aim for my first AKC Champion title.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://windsorcavaliers.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/windsor_cavaliers/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/@windsorcavaliers
• Other: https://marketplace.akc.org/breeder/windsor-cavaliers

Image Credits

I have the rights to use all the pictures taken as I took them all except the win picture. I paid for the rights when purchased.