A rabid fox picked the wrong dog last Saturday.

12-year-old, 22-pound Nikki, a Welsh Terrier, was minding her own business in her own backyard in the 9900 block of Colony Road in Old Lee Hills when she was suddenly attacked by a fox.

Beckie Reilly and the kids heard the commotion and watched from inside the house as Nikki took the fox's threat and gave it a few worries of its own.

The fox eventually fled the yard, leaving the Reilly family to rush Nikki to the vet. An Animal Control officer found the attacker in a yard on the 3600 block of Embassy Lane. The fox suffered snout and leg injuries from its run in with the terrier, Billy Reilly posted on his Facebook page Sunday evening. Animal Control put it down. Tests later showed the fox had the rabies virus.

Nikki didn't escape the encounter unscathed. She went in for surgery, received some stitches and staples, a stomach drain and other vet care. The terrier returned home Monday afternoon with a rabies-free bill of health.

"The Fox slayer has returned," Reilly wrote. "She's a little wiped out... Now back to your not hearing the door open, sleep through the burglars, and growling at the moths that fly around, you have earned it!"

Fairfax City Police ask all residents to vaccinate dogs and cats and keep them under close watch and control at all times. Never approach a stray animal, cat or dog or other wildlife.

Indicators of rabies can include:

• Snarling
• The animal biting itself
• Growling
• Hissing
• Approaching people

Call the Animal Control Office with any questions (703) 385-7919.