Persistent delays to Stanek's flight home forced him to spend two nights in hotels, running low on medication and on food for Sarge.

During what he calls his 'nightmare' two separate staff members kicked Sarge, later claiming to have been 'startled' by her presence.

Stanek says he repeatedly asked if someone would help him after hearing about the delays but was brushed aside. 'I was in a lot of pain, physically mentally and emotionally at that point.

'I couldn't get any help and that was the most disconcerting thing about it.'

At one point, having sought assistance from a customer service adviser with reading a booking confirmation email Stanek was asked: 'Are you retarded?'