So glad that I found this thread!
I used to be a huge Sofie Hagen fan. Huge! Listened to all of her podcasts, bought her a book, etc.
But I've grown increasingly tired of her asking followers for advice/seemingly encouraging discussion about things such as being non-binary and then simultaneously tearing anyone who dares to engage with her to shreds. I've come to the conclusion that she's deeply unhappy and seems rather lost, and have unfollowed her.
I know that adopting a pet is highly personal and emotive, so appreciate that you may not all agree with me; but I was quite shocked by how quickly Sofie got her dog. I know she says she researched it thoroughly, but the fact that she's adopted a shar-pei as her very first dog tells me that's not true. Shar-peis are one of the most challenging dog breeds.
My parents got one (without doing any research themselves!). He needed eye surgery due to his excessive facial folds, which meant that he couldn't open his eyelids properly. He had so many food allergies, requiring my mom to cook special meals for him. He had skin problems, which required weekly medicated baths at the vet and meant that he stunk (despite having short coats, they're pretty smelly dogs). And he was extremely aggressive and unpredictable, which no amount of training helped. His trainer explained that his temper was likely due to his countless health issues leaving him permanently irritable.
Shar-peis are also very high energy dogs and I think Sofie would freely admit herself that she's a sedentary person. She hasn't exercised Hank much so far, and has excused it by saying that it's because he's anxious and scared. I really do feel like she is projecting her anxiety onto him.
Rant over, felt good to get it out.