Michael Costalos wants you to know that assistance dogs come in all sizes and breeds

Michael Costalos was marched out of a public event because he had brought his assistance dog. He wants people to know that these helpers come in all shapes and sizes.

It is not unusual for Michael Costalos and his assistance dog, maltese shih tzu, Finn, to be stopped by security.

But things escalated when a security guard at the Garden of Unearthly Delights grabbed Mr Costalos by the throat and escorted him out of the venue.

While the guard was issued with a formal caution for assault by police, Mr Costalos is keen to raise awareness of the importance of assistance dogs.

In 2014, Mr Costalos was in a serious car accident while driving through notorious Britannia roundabout, leaving him with severe injuries including post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

“I was over life, I didn’t want to be here anymore,” he said.

Doctors suggested Mr Costalos get an assistance dog to help with his treatment.

“He’s (Finn’s) got me through some of the hardest days of my life,” Mr Costalos said.

“Once I got Finn, I started to reframe things in my life. He gave me a purpose outside of myself.

“I’m grateful that I got through because a lot of people don’t – a lot of people turn to drugs, alcohol, smoking or gambling. They turn to redirect their focus and their energy and fulfilment, thinking that’s going to get them through it.”

Mr Costalos’s PTSD means that for him, it’s easy to forget to get out of bed, to shower, brush his teeth and even eat.

But now, because of Finn, Mr Costalos cannot forget these things. Because he needs to feed and walk his canine companion, those things are a reminder of everything he must do as part of his daily routine.

Michael Costalos and his assistance dog, maltese shih tzu Finn. Picture: Dean Martin

Unfortunately life continues to be far from easy for Mr Costalos, who lost his job as a result of his accident.

Mr Costalos said he has been unable to find adequate employment because he and Finn “come as a pair”.

And despite completing extensive training and testing through a federal government accredited organisation, MindDog, Mr Costalos said he was still met with pushback wherever he goes.

Mr Costalos said he was not permitted to take an assistance dog on Qantas and Jetstar planes, but that he and Finn had travelled together with Virgin Australia.

A Qantas and Jetstar spokeswoman said that while MindDog accreditation did not grant automatic approval, customers who wanted to travel with assistance dogs were able to submit their own applications.

Changes to aviation regulations to make it lawful to carry domestic dogs and cats in aircraft cabins would make it easier in theory. However, Qantas and Jetstar have stated pets will not be sitting with passengers anytime soon.

A spokesman for the Dog and Cat Management Board said “assistance dogs can be any breed, colour or size but must be specifically trained to alleviate a disability, be declared physically fit by a veterinarian and declared not dangerous, menacing or a nuisance”.

There is currently no requirement for an assistance dog to wear a harness or jacket identifying that they are an assistance dog.