The poor dog was just being a dog.

Unfortunately, the bat that it was carrying around in its mouth tested positive for rabies.

Now the doggie doesn’t get to go home to its loving family. It’s being quarantined for observation.

It happened at a house in Saugus in late July.

It was the fourth rabid bat to show up this season in the Santa Clarita Valley. Four of L.A. County’s 13 rabid bats thus far in 2013 have been found in the SCV – more than the SCV’s fair share, but the “new normal” for the past three years.

It’s a sad case but a good reminder to vaccinate your pets.

If Animal Control officers suspect your pet has been exposed to rabies and you can’t prove its vaccinations are current, they’ll quarantine Fido or Fifi for six months.

If your vaccinations are current, Fido or Fifi gets to stay home under 30 days’ home detention.

And remember: If you see a bat flying during daylight hours, or flopping around on the ground, or showing a keen interest in the dog dish, or lying dead, don’t touch it, and do call Animal Control.