New Hampshire’s Biggest Peeping Tom May Not Even Be Human
Some families (heck, maybe even most) have skeletons in their closets. Those skeletons may be well-known to those that have a branch on the family tree, some family members may be well-aware while others don't, and in some instances, almost every family member is left in the dark.
And in some cases, some of those skeletons just happen to be randomly tripped upon, as is the case with me last night. Because, as hard as this is to admit, I have a direct connection to who may be the biggest, most repeat-offending "Peeping Tom" in New Hampshire.
Actually, it's more of a "connection to what" instead of a "connection to who" -- because it's my dog.
What is a Peeping Tom and why do we say it?
According to History Extra, legend has it that back in the 11th century, Lady Godiva and her husband made a wager that if Godiva rode naked through the streets of Coventry on horseback, he would lower taxes for all citizens. Not thinking she would actually do it, Godiva called his bluff and agreed to follow through with the act. The citizens of Coventry were ordered to stay inside and keep their shutters closed while averting their eyes, which all citizens did except one -- Tom the tailor. Hence, "Peeping Tom."
There's a chance that the term may need to be changed to "Peeping Remy," though, after noticing my pup's behavior while walking him around the neighborhood the last couple of days. It all kicked off with interaction with one of my neighbors over the weekend, who I had no idea was sitting in her car until she got out -- but Remy did.
"I literally felt myself being watched."
At first I thought she was talking about me (which was ironic since I was facing the exact opposite direction), but quickly turned to realize she was looking at and talking to Remy, who was looking her straight in the eye without blinking and simply wagging his tail. That should have been my first inclination.
It wasn't until I was walking him yesterday and we were right around the same area that I realized what he has become because as I watched him sniffing the grass looking for his perfect spot to mark, I observed him stop, look up and stare.
And continue staring.
He was focused on the window of that very same neighbor's condo without blinking for a solid 15 seconds before I called his name and gave a tug of his leash to move along. It was to the point that Remy wasn't just peeping in the window, he was borderline stalking my neighbor, seemingly waiting to see if he could see or sniff out her current move.
If you're in the Southern New Hampshire area, stay safe and beware this repeat-offending Peeping Tom. Or at least give him a scratch behind the ears so he'll go about his merry away and leave you be in peace.
But in all seriousness, watch out for actual Peeping Toms because it's 2022 and the world is crazy.