Came across this while looking for something else. I have my doubts
but it's a good yarn.
http://www.roadsideamerica.com/pet/rip.html
In 1897, a horned toad was placed in the cornerstone of the courthouse in
Eastland, TX, as it was being sealed. People remembered the event, but no
one thought much of it until 1928, when the courthouse was demolished to
make way for a new, Jazz Age model. Three thousand people were on hand to
watch the opening of the old cornerstone. Inside lay the horned toad, all
right -- flat and covered with dust -- and ALIVE! After 31 years!
...
Eleven months after his resurrection, Old Rip croaked. His body was
embalmed and placed in a tiny, open casket -- velvet lined -- in the lobby
of the new courthouse.
...