Suzanne Lee Kraus Forged Prescriptions For Dead Dog To Get Painkillers: Cops

Apparently you can use a dead dog for new tricks.

Suzanne Lee Kraus, 41, was arrested Monday and accused of obtaining painkillers by forging prescriptions for her deceased pet.

Kraus was an employee of Floresta Animal Hospital in Boynton Beach, Fla. from September 2010 to September 2012, the Sun Sentinel reported. Police say she stole veterinary prescription sheets, and between July and November 2012, she used the sheets to write out fake prescriptions for her dog, Higgins, who had been dead for about nine months.

Investigators say the forged prescriptions, which were made out to "Higgins Canine Kraus," allowed Kraus to obtain 240 Hydrocodone and Acetaminophen pills, WPTV reported.

The investigation into Kraus began when a pharmacist called the vet's office to confirm the prescription. The vet informed the pharmacist that her prescription pad had been stolen and the prescription was a fraud, according to WPBF.

Deputies say Kraus told them she needed pain medicine but could not afford it because of her lack of insurance.

She was charged with petty theft, obtaining a controlled substance by fraud, fraud in obtaining prescription drugs and uttering a forgery.