Senator Ted Cruz is in bad shape after taking a trip to Cancún, while his state of Texas is facing an unprecedented crisis after being hit by a winter storm.
Hundreds of thousands of people remain without power or water while freezing temperatures continue across the state.
In addition, Cruz, 50, thought it a good idea to leave his pet dog, Snowflake, stranded in his icy home in Houston during his tropical vacation.
The Republican lawmaker explained, after public outrage, that he was simply accompanying his two daughters on a trip with friends – adding, like millions of his Texan colleagues, his family had lost heat and water.
Michael Hardy, a reporter for New York Magazine’s Intelligencer, initially saw the white dog peering out the front door.
Cruz’s security guard told Hardy – when he was leaving the property – that he would be in charge of looking after the puppy while the family was out of town.
Finally, Cruz interrupted his trip to Mexico and returned home on Thursday. In an apology issued, he told reporters that the trip was “obviously a mistake and, in retrospect, I wouldn’t have done that”.
Here’s a look inside the house where Snowflake was left alone in cold temperatures.
Built in 1940, the three-story home spans 4,142 square feet.
Cruz bought the house in 2011 for $ 1.5 million, the property records show. The house is estimated at $ 2.1 million today, according to the realtor.
The gourmet kitchen has recently been renovated with dark wood floors and first-rate appliances.
The main living room has built-in bookshelves and an open plan that leads to the formal seating area and hallway.
The house has newly installed floor-to-ceiling windows.
The formal living area is in a secluded corner at the back of the house and has a wood burning fireplace.
The breakfast area is in the large kitchen.
The house consists of five bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms. The master suite comes with two large walk-in closets.
The third floor includes an office space, the fifth bedroom and a games room.
The outdoor patios feature red brick floors and a well-kept garden with a barbecue area.
