Lessons in Chemistry has been a bestseller on the New York Times list since its release last year, and it’s also a personal favorite of mine. For those who love dogs and fiction, Six-Thirty is a familiar name, a rescue dog with a mix of breeds, named after the time of day Elizabeth Zott finds him on the street. Six-Thirty, a scruffy pup kicked out of a bomb-sniffing program, becomes a key part of Elizabeth’s life, a scientist in the 1950s and 1960s striving to prove herself in a male-dominated field. Besides her dedication to science and unwavering belief in her abilities, Six-Thirty remains a constant in Elizabeth’s journey. The dog’s intelligence mirrors Elizabeth’s, as he learns close to 1,000 English words and provides insights on their family’s adventures.
This year, Six-Thirty, Elizabeth, and other captivating characters from the book will return in Lessons in Chemistry, featuring Academy Award winner Brie Larson, airing on Apple TV+.
I had the chance to speak with author Bonnie Garmus regarding her talent for naming dogs, Six-Thirty’s popularity, and her aspirations for shedding light on dogs’ intelligence through his character.
The Interview Between Bonnie Garmus and Dogster
Dogster: What’s the inspiration behind the name Six-Thirty?
Bonnie: I found it fascinating for a dog to perceive that people and other animals are named based on when they become part of a family—just like what happened to him. Additionally, in the realm of chemistry, the number six represents carbon, a fundamental element of life. Thus, Six-Thirty embodies an elemental essence!
Dogster: Six-Thirty has garnered quite a following! Did the connection with the dog’s character surprise you?
Bonnie: The level of Six-Thirty’s popularity took me by surprise. Initially, when he started thinking on the pages, I was hesitant. I’m not typically fond of magical realism or talking animal themes. However, in Six-Thirty’s case, his thoughts seemed natural rather than magical. He doesn’t speak; he cogitates—because all dogs think. Animals, including dogs, make decisions and solve problems. Often, we assess animal intelligence based on human standards, which is somewhat ignorant. Through Six-Thirty, my book challenges this perception, prompting us to reflect on human intelligence.
Dogster: Is Six-Thirty modeled after a dog from your life?
Bonnie: Six-Thirty draws inspiration from my previous dog, Friday, who passed away some years ago. Unlike the other characters in the book, Friday was a living being. Similar to Six-Thirty, Friday understood numerous words. The unique aspect is that we didn’t teach her those words—she grasped them through listening. Upon relocating to Switzerland, Friday even picked up German. It’s no joke!
Dogster: Who is the dog featured on Six-Thirty’s Instagram account? (@sixythirtythedog)
Bonnie: That dog is 99 (my current dog)! Despite being a retired Greyhound racer, 99 occasionally tires of being mistaken for Six-Thirty—quite the competitive spirit. Yet, she gladly contributes to the movement advocating for the acknowledgment of dogs’ cognitive abilities. Frankly, I struggle to keep up with Six-Thirty’s Instagram account!
The name 99 pays tribute to my dear friend, Helen. During my youth, Helen and I cherished a show named Get Smart, starring two spies known as 86 and 99. After watching just a couple of episodes, we promptly decided to pursue careers as spies when we grew up. To prepare, we addressed each other as 86 and 99 daily (for nearly 50 years!). Tragically, Helen met with a fatal accident. A decade later, Friday was no longer with us, and a six-year-old retired Greyhound needed a loving home. Upon meeting the Greyhound, she reminded me of my dear friend Helen. Hence, we christened her 99 in honor of Helen, feeling a reconnection with my lost friend.
Dogster: What’s your affinity toward rescue dogs?
Bonnie: I hold a special place in my heart for rescue dogs. Our dog Friday, who had endured severe abuse before entering our lives, exemplified this affection. Moreover, our prior dogs, Astro and Barney, both shelter rescues, represented this bond. In contrast, 99, a purebred Greyhound, reached us through a Greyhound rescue service after being labeled “vicious” and rejected by a previous home. Adopted at the age of six, she initially harbored fears and anxiety as if resigned to being disliked. However, within months, her fears dissipated, and she embraced us wholeheartedly, much as we had embraced her. She exhibits a keen sensitivity to human emotions, detests sadness, and offers comfort by leaning her (considerable) body against the grieving individual. Both children and I adore her for this quality.
Dogster: What can we anticipate from Six-Thirty in the Lessons in Chemistry series on Apple TV+?
Bonnie: While the TV series differs from my original vision in the book—portraying Six-Thirty as a Labradoodle, a breed that didn’t exist at the story’s time—his presence remains undeniable. Incorporating a thinking dog into the cast presents a challenge, and the outcome is uncertain at this point. Nevertheless, the talented individuals in Hollywood working on the series instill confidence that they will navigate this aspect effectively.
Stay tuned for the upcoming series on Apple TV+ and follow Six-Thirty’s (99’s) escapades in London on social media @Sixthirtythedog
