Amid the devastation of the tragic July 20 San Marcos apartment fire, resident Elisa Rosen remained optimistic her pet turtle, Holst, somehow survived the blaze.

Call it owner intuition or otherwise, but sure enough, on July 24 Rosen received news that Holst, aquarium and all, managed to escape major injury, much to her surprise and that of first responders.   

Rosen’s friend and roommate managed to escape the apartment fire, along with the roommate’s dog. But amidst the chaos, Hols...